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Rotarian of 35 years will be Senior Fellow
A veteran Rotarian who counts a reduction in deaths from malaria as one of his greatest collaborative achievements will receive one of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s top honorary awards.
Maroochydore’s Bill Dethlefs, 76, will become an Honorary Senior Fellow at USC’s Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday 20 April.
“This award is an unbelievable privilege,” said the past governor of Rotary district 9600, which stretches from north of the Brisbane River to Gympie and Kingaroy and includes Papua New Guinea (PNG) and the Solomon Islands.
“This will be the first time I’ve ever worn academic robes but both my daughters have degrees and they’re excited for me.”
Mr Dethlefs has been heavily involved in Rotary’s national and global humanitarian campaigns targeting polio, birth defects and malaria. He initiated Australian Malaria Awareness Day (MAD).
He is also proud of an Adopt-a-Village project started in 2002 to provide mosquito nets across PNG and the Solomons. It has now passed the $1 million fundraising mark.
“We are very happy with the significant decrease in the incidence and severity of malaria in PNG and the Solomons,” Mr Dethlefs said.
In 2008, he received the Rotary Service Above Self Award, which is Rotary International’s highest award for an individual Rotarian.
Mr Dethlefs has worked with the University since 1996 when he helped found the joint Rotary-USC Community Fund that now provides three scholarships a year to deserving postgraduate students.
“The University is part of the community and the community is part of USC,” he said.
“Its growth since the 1990s reflects both this vision and the Coast’s need for tertiary education, originally recognised by Professor Paul Thomas. The University is a tremendous asset.”
USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill, who will present four honorary senior fellowships at the University’s 2011 Graduation ceremonies, said Mr Dethlefs deserved the award for his significant contributions to both the community fund and Rotary projects.
– Julie Gatehouse