On Thursday 25 July 2024, an honorary member of Convocation architect Ron Bodycoat AM received a Chancellor’s Medal for his outstanding service to the University as the honorary heritage architect for the Crawley campus and for his service to the UWA Historical Society.

The Citation presented to Ron was as follows:

Ronald Bodycoat is an acclaimed WA architect who has developed an interest in conservation and heritage assessment, using this expertise to assist UWA with the preservation of heritage buildings.

Ron's loyalty to UWA is demonstrated through his decades of voluntary assistance and his keenness to share his knowledge about the University's architecture, design, and heritage buildings by providing walking tours, advice on the condition of campus heritage buildings and creating photographic records.

He is a dedicated member of UWA's Historical Society, securing the President role several times.

Ron's UWA achievements include gathering relevant historical information to document the campus development in "Chronology: Landscape and Architecture 1827 to the present" (2009) and working with the Historical Society on restoration and re-location of the Great War Honour Board of 1922.

Significant achievements include being appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia; Claremont Citizen of the Year; McLarty Award for dedicated voluntary service from National Trust (WA). He was National President of Royal Australian Institute of Architects, WA Chapter from 1981 to 1982 and in 1990, he became a Life Fellow. He is also a life member of National Trust WA and Royal WA Historical Society.

Ron has made an outstanding contribution in the field of conservation architecture at State level and as National President of Royal Australian Institute of Architects. He has generously made available his expertise to not-for-profit organisations and community groups and although not a Graduate of UWA, Ron's loyalty and admiration for UWA is unsurpassed.

On Wednesday 24 July 2024, Convocation Councillor Dr Raj Kurup was awarded a Chancellor’s Medal for his outstanding service to the University and Convocation.

The Citation presented to Raj was as follows:

Dr Raj Kurup FIEAust, CPEng, NER, Int.PE, GA/CO is a multi-award-winning CEO, board member and environmental engineer. Raj was named as Australian Professional Environmental Engineer of 2021, the WA Professional Engineer of the year 2020, Water Professional of the Year 2017, one of Australia's top 30 Innovative Engineers for 2017 and 2019, AWA research innovation award winner from 2017 to 2019, WA's Best Engineer by WA Business News in 2003.

Raj has an ongoing strong relationship with UWA, both as an adjunct professor and an elected member of the Convocation Council. He is a champion of the Grand Challenges.

In addition to his strong academic interest in engineering, Raj is passionate in coaching students and graduates, through a structured job ready program, and has so far trained over 60 students.

Raj has authored over 60 publications including three books and developed innovative processes for industrial effluent treatment, nutrient removal and waste to energy systems and has provided keynote addresses for several international conferences. He has three patents to his credit.

On Friday 15 December 2023, long-serving Convocation Councillor Dr Fran Pesich (BArch MBA DBA UWA, FAICD) was awarded a Chancellor’s Medal for her outstanding service to the UWA Historical Society and Convocation.

The Citation presented to Fran was as follows:

Dr Fran Pesich was elected to Convocation Council in 2010 as the University was preparing for its Centenary. With her background in architecture and business administration, the financial aspects interested her as did the structure of a large volunteer committee.

The UWA Historical Society was taking its first steps and although Fran was 'no historian' she was attracted by its aim to develop a wider appreciation of the campus. She joined the Society and offered her skills to this new group. Her keen eye and analytical ability enabled a selection of practical plans from a plethora of possible projects. The continued development of the Oral History Portal, the range of original publications including a UWA World War II Nominal Roll, the introduction of a Remembrance Day Service and support for public guided tours of significant buildings all stand testimony to her negotiating prowess and enthusiasm.

President of the Society from 2012-2014 and 2017-2020, Fran served as membership secretary, treasurer, newsletter editor, project manager, public events and guest speakers' meetings coordinator and ensured legal and financial requirements were achieved. At times these roles combined allowing committee members free to pursue historical research projects.

Fran was Treasurer of Convocation during her first term on Council. In her inimitable style, she did a fantastic job in this role and wrote a definitive overview of Convocation's finances. She continues to serve on Convocation Council.

She undertook these two time-consuming voluntary commitments in addition to full-time consultancy and family commitments.  Fran is a generous graduate and an asset to the University.

On Wednesday 1 November 2023 arrangements were made for the Chancellor of UWA, the Honourable Robert French AC to present the Chancellor’s Medal to the Immediate Past Warden of Convocation Clinical Professor Lesley Cala in Sutton Centre of the Juniper Rowethorpe Retirement Village in Bentley.

The Citation presented to Lesley was as follows:

Professor Cala has given a lifetime of service to UWA giving tirelessly as a professional and volunteer for many decades. As a respected Clinical Professor and since her return to Perth in 1970 through her teaching and research endeavours she has ensured UWA is at the forefront in the field of radiology. 

She is a local graduate in the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, holding a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery and Doctor of Medicine. 

Her passion for her field has seen her act as a volunteer to interview future medicine and dentistry students for close to 30 years. Professor Cala still lectures and continues to demonstrate outstanding service to the University. 

Her advocacy for women in the areas of health, education and quality of life is clearly evident with her long history of involvement with women’s associations including the International Council of Women, National Council of Women Australia, Graduate Women of Western Australia, Centenary Trust for Women. The respect she has received for her work in representing these organisations has resulted in elected life membership for GWWA and NCWWA. 

Professor Cala has also received recognition as an Honorary Fellow St. Catherine’s College UWA and UWA Convocation Medal for outstanding contribution to the university, community and women’s advancement for the past 25 years. 

Her commendable strong belief is that education is the key to eradicating poverty and eliminating conflict and she shares this messaging and her community experience throughout her vastly connected University and health professional network.