ECU Graduation Ceremony 1 - School of Business and Law on Saturday, 3 February.
Polar explorer, adventurer and environmental champion, Tim Jarvis AM, was awarded with an honorary degree of Doctor of the University honoris causa at ECU's recent graduations ceremony.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman said it gave him great pleasure to present Tim with this honour on behalf of ECU for his outstanding career seeking and delivering pragmatic solutions to global environmental sustainability issues for over 30 years.
"ECU Graduations are always a highlight of the academic calendar, providing a wonderful opportunity to reflect on years of dedicated personal achievement and the contributions being made to our global community," said Professor Chapman.
"Tim, who is also a Professor of Leadership Practice at ECU's School of Business and Law, is truly a worthy recipient of this honour as a champion for positive global environmental and sustainable change and as an inspiring role model for future generations.
"As a dedicated environmental scientist and conservationist, successful adventurer, a talented author, filmmaker, philanthropist and sought-after motivating public speaker, our University is proud to bestow this honorary degree in recognition of Professor Jarvis's inspirational leadership and dedication to education, environmental science, sustainability, and societal wellbeing."
Professor Chapman said that Tim worked through action and education by engaging, and empowering people and corporations, redefining societal learnings, and lifting the profile of environmental education on the local, national, and international stages.
His significant service to environment, community and exploration has been recognised and rewarded for excellence and innovation throughout his career, including a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), the 2024 Australian of the Year for South Australia, recipient of the Australian Geographic Society "Spirit of Adventure" medal, the Adventurer of the Year and the Conservationist of the Year awards.
Professor Jarvis was the speaker at the ECU Vice-Chancellor's oration in November 2023, his presentation was extraordinary and those who were lucky enough to be able to attend commented that it was the best oration to date. He was highly engaging, recounting his experiences of resilience and survival, whilst seamlessly linking the subject matter to corporate leadership and the need for global conservation efforts and sustainability.
"Professor Jarvis has said that "It's up to each of us to make a difference" and his remarkable career demonstrates that through perseverance and commitment "difference" can be willingly pursued, and realistically achieved. His career reflects courage, resilience, and an extraordinary commitment to preserving our planet's future and to finding solutions to environmental problems – attributes that match Edith Cowan's University's values."
Tim opened by congratulating all his fellow graduates for the resilience and perseverance they’ve shown to get to this point today, which marks the start of another very exciting chapter in all their lives.
He offered his heart-felt thanks to the University, saying it was a tremendous honour to receive this acknowledgement from an institution like ECU which places such pride in academic excellence.
Tim talked of how he'd spent a career fighting the twin threats of climate change and eco-system decline and though there are many negatives, as a positive person he was excited about where we stand today.
"We are at the beginning of a renewable energy revolution and Western Australia is at the absolute epicentre of that journey," said Professor Jarvis.
"The future is bright, and we all have a role to play."
Read more about Professor Tim Jarvis AM here: