The Principal of The Kensington Colleges, Dr Ian Walker, has been honoured by appointment as an Honorary University Mace Bearer. The University Mace, presented by the Broken Hill Proprietary Company Ltd (BHP) in 1962, is a symbol of the dignity and authority of the University. The tradition of carrying a mace goes back to medieval days, and to-day the mace is carried before the Chancellor or presiding person at University graduations. Dr Walker has been appointed to this role in view of his “long and distinguished association with the University."

His first duty in the role was performed at a graduation at which two former Philip Baxter College residents, Kirin Hilliar and William Lau, received University Medals in Psychology and Optometry.