Media release – UTAS, 11 December 2024
University honour for Ricky Ponting, hero of cricket and community
Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting AO will receive an honorary degree from the University of Tasmania at a graduation ceremony in Launceston tomorrow.
Mr Ponting, who grew up in Launceston, will receive the Doctor of Philosophy Honoris Causa for his outstanding contribution to sport in Australia.
Besides his hugely successful cricket career, Mr Ponting has been a remarkable ambassador for Tasmania, a strong advocate for young people and an active philanthropist, supporting a range of causes in the areas of education, health and children’s charities.
More than 500 students will celebrate their graduation by attending ceremonies being held at the Launceston Convention Centre. The students will graduate in disciplines from across the University, including allied health, nursing, various sciences, arts, education, business, the University College pathways program and graduate research.
The Town and Gown Parade for students and staff will make a celebratory path from Civic Square to the Inveresk Campus, finishing at The Shed, the state-of-the art health and science facility which opened in October this year.
Next week more than 1500 students will celebrate at Hobart graduations at My State Arena, Glenorchy, on December 17, 18 and 19.
North West graduations take place in Autumn to align with placements and course structures.
About Ricky Ponting AO
Since 2002, Mr Ponting and his wife, Rianna, have raised in excess of $10 million to help young Australians and their families beat cancer. In 2008 they established the Ponting Foundation, which supports children and young people through their childhood cancer journey.
Mr Ponting has been a remarkable ambassador for Tasmania, his home state, encouraging others to explore the island’s natural beauty and unique cultural offerings.
In Tasmania, he has been widely involved in fundraising partnerships and initiatives that assist young Tasmanians with cancer and their families. The Ponting Foundation recently announced their latest commitment to the Tasmanian health system that will make a significant contribution to its work via a new annual fundraising campaign.
Ricky is an advocate for international student recruitment in India for the University and has actively supported programs on the ground there.
As the most successful Australian cricket captain of all time, Mr Ponting’s sporting success is well known. He captained Australia from 2004 to 2011 and played 168 test matches for Australia. Since retiring, he has earned similar accolades as a cricket broadcaster as well as being a highly sought-after coach in the T20 formats of the game.
Launceston – December 12th
Ceremonies are at the Launceston Conference Centre at 50 Glen Dhu Street and the Town and Gown parade is from Civic Square to the Inveresk campus
9am – Town and Gown parade from Civic Square to the Inveresk Campus
- 11am – College of Health and Medicine, Graduate Research at Launceston Conference Centre
- 2pm – College of Sciences and Engineering, Graduate Research at Launceston Conference Centre
- 5pm – College of Arts, Law and Education, Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University College, Graduate Research at Launceston Conference Centre
Hobart – December 17th to December 19th
Ceremonies are at the MyState Bank Arena, 601 Brooker Hwy, Glenorchy and the Town and Gown parade is from IMAS on Castray Esp to the Art School in Hunter St.
Tuesday 17th December
- 9am – Town and Gown parade from IMAS on Castray Esp to the Art School in Hunter St.
Tuesday 17th December
- 11am – College of Health and Medicine (Medicine/Paramedicine/Pharmacy), Graduate Research at MyState Bank Arena
- 3pm – College of Health and Medicine (Health Science/Psychology/Dementia Care), Graduate Research at MyState Bank Arena
- 7pm – College of Health and Medicine (Nursing/Midwifery), Graduate Research at MyState Bank Arena
Wednesday 18th December
- 10am – College of Sciences and Engineering (Science/Design/IMAS), Graduate Research at MyState Bank Arena
- 2pm – College of Sciences and Engineering (Engineering/IT), Graduate Research at MyState Bank Arena
- 6pm – Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, University College, UP Education, Graduate Research at MyState Bank Arena
Thursday 19th December
- 10am – College of Arts, Law and Education (Humanities/Social Sciences), Graduate Research at MyState Bank Arena
- 2pm – College of Arts, Law and Education (Law/Education/Creative Arts and Media), Graduate Research at MyState Bank Arena
