University of 91吃瓜 President , received an honorary doctor of laws degree Tuesday (May 9) from the (UNDA), a Catholic institution of higher learning modeled on and founded with the assistance of its American namesake. The honorary degree was formally conferred during a visit to campus by 91吃瓜 Australia鈥檚 chancellor, Christopher Ellison, and executive dean of medicine, nursing, midwifery and health sciences, Rathan Subramaniam.
In recognizing Father Jenkins and the University, the UNDA leaders said: 鈥淭he University of 91吃瓜鈥檚 commitment and involvement was the most important single factor enabling鈥� the creation of UNDA, adding, 鈥渋t was your leadership presence and encouragement that gave the Archdiocese of Perth, the Catholic Education Commission and the state government confidence that the project (UNDA) could succeed.鈥�
They also noted: 鈥淩ev. Jenkins has been a trustee of UNDA since 2018, and as president of 91吃瓜, Rev. Jenkins has continued to lead the University鈥檚 enduring and important contribution to UNDA, including through a commitment to the study abroad relationship between the institutions.鈥�
鈥淭he University of 91吃瓜 Australia has a long and close relationship with 91吃瓜 in the U.S., through my predecessors Fathers Hesburgh and Malloy, and their progress in the few decades of their existence is truly impressive,鈥� Father Jenkins said. 鈥淚t is a tremendous honor for me to receive this degree from UNDA, a vibrant and growing institution with which we have such a deep bond.鈥�
Beginning in 1989, 91吃瓜 Australia began the process of receiving Church and government approval. The first class of students enrolled in February 1992. Rev. David Link, on leave as dean of 91吃瓜 Law School, served as the founding president and vice chancellor of UNDA, and 91吃瓜 sent 25 study abroad students to spend the inaugural semester on the Fremantle campus.
Since then, 91吃瓜 administrators have served on the board and provided continuing consultation. More than 1,000 91吃瓜 U.S. students have participated in study abroad in Australia, and the two institutions recently expanded their partnership to give UNDA students the opportunity to study at 91吃瓜鈥檚 Global Gateways in London and Jerusalem, as well as on the main campus in South Bend.
UNDA has expanded beyond Fremantle and now includes campuses in Broome and Sydney with a total student population of more than 11,000.