Education stalwart honoured by AM award

Dr Peter Rogers was one of the first students who attended Monash University’s campus in 1961 when its buildings were surrounded by paddocks.

Since embarking on his chemical engineering degree, the North Melbourne resident of more than 50 years has been a true leader in his profession.

Among his achievements and contributions to the industry has been his current role as emeritus chairman of Monash Engineering and IT Foundation at Monash University.

“I am deeply committed to achieving equitable and quality education for all,” Dr Rogers said.

“Education has a transformative impact in terms of what you can achieve in your life. Talented students are everywhere, and you have to reach out to find them.”

In recognition of his work, Dr Rogers was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) as part of the King’s Birthday 2023 honours list “for significant service to engineering, to education, and to the community”.

He said he was humbled by the award, which he admitted came as an “delightful, unexpected surprise”.

“I thought ‘could this be true?’ I needed to sit down to take it in,” he said.

“It comes after a long life of doing interesting things supported by a wonderful family, my wife Cathy OAM, a cathedral organist, and daughters Anna, Elspeth and Hilary and their families.”

Dr Rogers said one of his greatest satisfactions was launching the engineering leadership program with 20 industry-funded leadership and equity scholarships, providing students an “opportunity to make a difference in the world”.

Speaking of his passion for North Melbourne, where his family’s ties go back 130 years, he said: “North Melbourne is an under-recognised suburb – a sleeping giant – about to awaken with underground stations at Arden and Parkville, and recreational parks including Royal and Princes Parks”.•