Mr Thompson is a significant benefactor to Macquarie University and has worked with Macquarie University Hospital to improve access to the Gamma Knife, a revolutionary piece of technology that treats neurological conditions, such as brain tumours, without the need for invasive surgery.
A businessman with significant influence in Australia’s aged care sector and a philanthropist in higher education and health, Mr Thompson’s generosity in supporting the Gamma Knife program was motivated by the loss of his wife Monique, who benefited in the final months of her life from Gamma Knife treatment.
“I feel honoured about being awarded an honorary doctorate by Macquarie University because I feel very privileged that my involvement has enabled many young patients to be given a new lease of life that may not have been possible without the Gamma Knife program,” said Mr Thompson.
Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton congratulated Mr Thompson on being awarded an honorary doctorate and thanked him for his significant contributions.
“Doug Thompson is a most generous and caring person, and his values mirror those of Macquarie University, of caring and excellence,” he said.
“The Doug and Monique Thompson Gamma Knife Fund has been vital in helping us to ensure patients in financial need can access this important treatment, which has saved many lives in the eight years since we were able to bring Gamma Knife technology to Australia.”
The honorary doctorate was presented as part of Macquarie University’s autumn graduation season, during which 3442 graduates took the stage to receive their degrees, diplomas and certificates.
There were 61 graduates awarded a PhD, including Dr Innez Haua who is Ngāti Porou, Ngai Tāmanuhiri and Dr Lou Netana Glover who is Yuin and also Ngāti Whātua, Ngā Puhi, Tainui. This is the first time there has been two PhD graduates from the Department of Critical Indigenous Studies in one ceremony.
As the graduate speaker at her ceremony, Dr Haua spoke about her experience and achievements as an Indigenous person in tertiary education.
“This may seem like a ‘me’ story, but it is not. The department and I would not be here without the sacrifice and dedication of others,” Dr Haua said.
“It is the dragon-slayers, those Indigenous peoples and Indigenous scholars who have kicked down doors and have sacrificed so much to forge paths to make it possible for me and others to stand here... I am humbled to stand on your shoulders.”
Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Professor S Bruce Dowton and Mr Doug Thompson AM
