The University of Newcastle congratulates the academics, researchers and alumni recognised last week in the 2011 Queen's Birthday Honours.

Emeritus Professor John Burrows was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the Honour List for his service to education in the fields of computational stylistics and English literature. He was also recognised for his contribution as an academic and researcher.

Professor Burrows taught English literature and held a number of positions, including Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Head of School for English at the University of Newcastle before retiring in 2000.

Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) Professor Maree Gleeson, was awarded an Medal of the Order of Australia for her work in medicine and education.

Professor Gleeson has held various lecture and visiting positions at the University of Newcastle since 1989.

Regarded as one of the nation’s top architects, Professor Richard Leplastrier was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to architecture, and as an educator and mentor. 

Professor Richard Leplastrier has been an architect since 1963 and assisted in the design of the Sydney Opera House and was co-designer of the University’s Birabahn Aboriginal Centre.

Alumni Raymond Laird was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2011 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his service to the study of theology.

Mr Laird has had a long and distinguished career teaching theology and church history at various Australian universities and colleges and completed a Master of Arts from the University of Newcastle in 1991.

Colleen Potts graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Education in 1986 and was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the performing arts in the Hunter Region.

Ms Potts was a science teacher at the Hunter School of Performing Arts, established its Community Choir and maintains her connection with the school as the coordinator of the Community Christmas Concert.

Bachelor of Science graduate Richard Delbridge was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the community of Lake Macquarie.

Congratulations from the University of Newcastle on this significant achievement.