CITATION
Award of Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa
Dr Nicholas Girdis CBE
Mr Chancellor,
Nicholas Stephen Girdis was born in Brisbane and attended Brisbane State High School. After graduating as a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Queensland, he undertook postgraduate studies in Canada, obtaining the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery from Dalhousie University. He subsequently changed career directions and became a leading figure in development schemes both in Australia and overseas. His vast experience was eventually placed at the disposal of the University of Queensland which he has continued to serve in a range of influential positions. Since becoming a member of Senate in 1984 he has performed long and distinguished service as Chairman of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, presiding over many major works of construction in recent years, and as a member of the Senate Finance Committee. He has also been Vice-Chairman of Uni Quest Ltd and a member of the Board of Comquest Ltd since their inception. His local prominence has been recognised by his chairmanship of the Queensland Research Institute since 1985 and his four year term as President of the Greek Community of Brisbane. His many contributions were acknowledged by his creation as Companion of the Order of the British Empire in 1984. Within the University he will be forever identified with his successful chairmanship of the Customs House Restoration Campaign which raised $5.5 million and placed the University and the local community eternally in his debt. The city of Brisbane's finest building was recreated, and, through the University, given back to the people.
Mr Chancellor, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the University of Queensland, I present to you Dr Nicholas Stephen Girdis, CBE, BDSc Queensland, DDS Dalhousie, for the conferral of the award of Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa, to which he has been admitted by the Senate of the University.