Honorary doctorates go to university greats
 Graduations
Of the thousands of students who graduated at the University of 新浪彩票 late last year, three people received the University's highest honour.
They were all awarded an honorary doctorate - the degree of Doctor of the University honoris causa - in recognition of their outstanding achievements.
The former Royal Commissioner into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, the Hon. Elliott Johnston AO QC, received his honorary degree for his "pursuit of justice and equality" for indigenous Australians.
A law graduate of the University of 新浪彩票, champion of the underdog and former Justice of the Supreme Court of South Australia, Mr Johnston is credited with bringing to the nation's attention the overt discrimination of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders in Australia.
In May 1988 he was appointed Royal Commissioner into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and his subsequent findings challenged Australia's treatment of its indigenous people and paved the way for reconciliation.
Ed McAlister was Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia for 15 years until his retirement last year. He was awarded an honorary doctorate for his "contribution to animal conservation, the environment and the community and his distinguished scholarly achievement".
He oversaw the opening of Monarto Zoological Park in 1993 and its subsequent transformation into a significant conservation body and renowned zoological park. He was responsible for improving zoo education and strong growth in the Society's membership and involvement of volunteers.
NASA astronaut Dr Andrew Thomas was awarded an honorary doctorate in recognition of his distinguished contribution as a research scientist in fluid mechanics.
An engineering graduate of the University of 新浪彩票, Dr Thomas said receiving the doctorate from his alma mater was a "great honour".
"When I left the University of 新浪彩票 from a very similar graduation ceremony, over 30 years ago, I carried a dream, which by all the standards of the day was quite unrealisable. That I was able to turn that dream into a realistic ambition and wh | 
