Former Campion Chairman awarded in Queen’s Birthday Honours List

Campion College board member and former Chairman Joseph de Bruyn was awarded the title AO in yesterday’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Mr de Bruyn served as Chairman of the Campion Institute Board for 17 years, officiating at every graduation ceremony until 2021, after stepping down as Chairman but remaining on the Board.

Mr de Bruyn, who was National President of the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association and Senior Vice-President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, was given the honour for “distinguished service to industrial relations, particularly the trade union sector, for superannuation reform, and to higher education”.

Campion President Dr Paul Morrissey congratulated Mr de Bruyn on his achievement on behalf of the college, saying no-one was more worthy of this honour.

“Joe is a real tour de force and has worked tirelessly for his fellow Australians, especially in education and the labour force,” Dr Morrissey said.

“Apart from being an integral supporter of Campion College and the liberal arts in Australia, Joe has also been a great defender of authentic Catholic social teaching, and I’m so pleased to see his hard work and his achievements recognised by his country and Head of State.”

It was a day of accolades for Campion College, as former Board member Anna Krohn received an OAM for services to the Catholic Church, and honorary fellow John Anderson received an AC for eminent service to rural development, leadership in international agricultural research, to social commentary and through contributions to not-for-profit organisations.