26 November 2008
CITATION
Award of a Doctor of the University honoris causa
Mr Michael Bryce
Chancellor,
Co-creator of such memorable logos as the Sydney 2000 Olympics “squiggle”, the ring-tail possum for the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Wallabies icon, Mr Michael Bryce is one of Australia’s most celebrated designers.
Following his architecture studies at UQ, he moved to London to work as an architect then established his own practice on returning to Australia, expanding it to include graphic and industrial design. His award winning design firm, Minale Tattersfield Bryce designed building signage for Sydney Airport and Doha Stadium as well as logos for famous brands such as Harrods, Fendi and Valentino.
He has been married to Australia’s Governor-General Her Excellency Dr Quentin Bryce, AC, since 1964. Dr Bryce, Queensland Governor from 2003 until 2008, was sworn in as Australia’s 25th and first female Governor-General on September 5, 2008.
In 1980, he was elected as Federal President of the Industrial Design Institute of Australia prior to being inaugural Queensland President.
Service in the Air Training Corps fostered his interest in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) which led to a long association with the RAAF Reserve, first as a member of the Queensland University Squadron and later the No. 23 (City of Brisbane) Squadron where he was Intelligence Officer. In 1970, he received the Air Efficiency award (AE). Mr Bryce has had a long involvement with St. John Ambulance and is Knight in the Order of St. John of Jerusalem Hospitaller.
During the two decades from 1980, his architectural and design practice achieved national prominence through its work for a range of distinctive Australian institutions including the National Trust, the Australian War Memorial and the Commonwealth Games. During this period, he served as a member of a range of community, charitable and professional organisations. He has been a trustee of the Queensland Art Gallery, and a member of the Board of Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Orchestra.
He has also been a dedicated teacher of the next generation of designers through his role as an adjunct professor of design at three leading Australian universities.
Mr Bryce has been awarded life fellowship of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and the Design Institute of Australia and in 2007 was inducted into the Design Hall of Fame.
Chancellor, in recognition of his distinguished career, I present to you Mr Michael Bryce, Bachelor of Architecture from The University of Queensland, for the award of a Doctor of the University honoris causa bestowed by the Senate of The University of Queensland.