ANU honours for distinguished leaders

The ANU end of year graduation ceremonies will honour four distinguished global leaders - former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and businesswoman Thérèse Rein, former military commander Sir Angus Houston, and Indonesia's former Foreign Minister Dr Marty Natalegawa. All four will receive honorary degrees from ANU in December in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Australia and the region. ANU Chancellor Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC QC said the honorary degrees reflected the immense contribution each person had made to Australia and to the world. "Kevin, Thérèse, Sir Angus and Marty Natalegawa have all left their stamp on Australia and the region, and represent the finest qualities of those who dedicate their lives to public service," Professor Evans said. "They have also remained close friends of ANU throughout their careers and beyond, and have remained deeply engaged with the education and research at ANU." - Mr Rudd is a distinguished ANU alumnus and the first ANU graduate to become Prime Minister of Australia. As Prime Minister, Mr Rudd was responsible for the historic National Apology to Indigenous Australians, and for guiding Australia's economy through the global financial crisis without going into recession. Ms Rein, also a distinguished ANU alumna, established a global business which supports people with disabilities and helps them with rehabilitation, finding work, and addressing the physical and psychological aspects of their condition.