The University of Canberra has taken another step toward becoming one of Australia’s leading sporting Universities, as it honours its exceptional alumni and unveils its brand-new Sport Walk of Fame.
Launched on campus today, 22 alumni were recognised for their contribution to the sports industry, including athletes, administrators, referees, researchers, and journalists.
Aligning with the University of Canberra Sports Strategy, Director of Sport Carrie Graf said the Walk of Fame - which spans the walkway bridge between the Refectory and The Sports Hub - was just one example of the University’s commitment to sporting research and excellence.
“We are continuing to work towards being internationally renowned for our collaborations, innovation, and technology in the sporting space,” she said.
“Sport lies at the heart of UC, and is part of our history, present and future.”
The spread of sport-related professions inducted into the Sports Walk of Fame, spans from athletes to administrators, and is a visible demonstration in the flexibility and transferability of the University’s degrees.
The project is just one of many new upgrades and installations on the Bruce campus as part of the Sport Strategy.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Paddy Nixon said the instalment is testament to the ongoing success of University of Canberra graduates in the sporting realm.
“Our graduates – whether they studied something sports related or not – are contributing to the world of sport in a significant way,” he said.
“I think it’s important to remember that it’s not only athletes who are involved in that world, and that without the referees, researchers, and administrators, there would be no such thing as sport.”
This first round of inductees was trimmed from 50 candidates, down to the 22, with the vision of adding to that list in years to come.
2022 Sports Walk of Fame inductees
Andrew Friend – Rugby Coach
Benita Willis – Distance Running
Bridget Tilley – Journalism
Craig McLatchey – Sports Administration
David Pyne – Sports Science
Evan O’Hanlon – Athletics
George Gregan – Rugby Union
Greg Blood – Sports History
Heather Reid – Sports Administration
Lauren Jackson – Basketball
Louise Burrows – Rugby Union
Matthew Favier – Sports Administration
Megan Marcks – Rowing
Nathan Deakes – Race Walking
Nicole Arrold – Hockey
Paul Smith – Sports Administration
Paul Thompson – Rowing Coach
Petria Thomas – Swimming
Philippe Rizzo – Gymnastics
Raymond Chamberlain – AFL Umpire
Richard Nicholson – Powerlifting and Athletics
Sarah Cook - Rowing