1987
CITATION
Mr Chancellor,
As a scientist, an administrator, a leader in the profession of veterinary science, and an adviser to the University of Queensland, John Ryley has made outstanding contributions.
As a research worker in the Department of Primary Industry he applied himself to problems of disease, . diet, and breeding. His work aided. the understanding and control of leptospirosis. As an animal nutritionist he advocated the use of urea as a fodder supplement in times of drought As a geneticist he established the Queensland Department's artificial insemination service.
His outstanding success as a scientific officer led to an equally outstanding career as an administrator. When he retired in 1986 from the Department of Primary Industries he held the position of Assistant Director-General (Extension). In that position he had been chiefly responsible for the drafting of a new and much improved Veterinary Surgeons' Act.
In 1965 John Ryley became the foundation Chairman of the Postgraduate Committee of the Faculty of Veterinary Science. Four years later he was elected to the Senate of the University of Queensland. During his three years on the Senate he served as a member of the Webb Committee on the University Farm and on the Committee that recommended conditions for the appointment of full-time Deans.
Mr Chancellor, in recognition of his services to Veterinary Science, I present to you, John William Ryley, Member of the Order of Australia, Bachelor of Veterinary Science of the University of Sydney, for conferral of the award of Doctor of Veterinary Science, honoris causa, to which he has been admitted by the Senate of the University.