Two University of Queensland alumni, who have helped shaped the state, have been named among this year’s Queensland Greats.

Trailblazing engineer Professor Else Shepherd AM and burns management pioneer Emeritus Professor Stuart Pegg AM have been recognised for their significant contributions to the development of Queensland.

Honorary Professor Gracelyn Smallwood was also among the Queensland Greats recipients for her work as a human rights and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health advocate.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AO said the awards, celebrated on Queensland Day, acknowledged incredible leadership, advocacy and achievement.

“As one of the first two women to graduate in electrical engineering at UQ in 1965, Professor Shepherd broke barriers and continuously fought for more opportunities for women in non-traditional fields,” Professor Terry said.

“At one time, Professor Shepherd was one of only two female engineers working in Queensland.

“Her persistence and resilience in inspiring the next generation of female engineers and leaders was incredible, and UQ was delighted to name Professor Shepherd Alumnus of the Year in 2009.”

Professor Terry said Professor Pegg, who graduated from UQ with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1956, had been recognised for developing and providing life-saving treatment for critically ill burns patients.

“During his career, Professor Pegg continuously advocated for multi-disciplinary care for burns patients, and he introduced new techniques and pioneered the development of burns surgery in Queensland and across Australia,” Professor Terry said.

“His work has been instrumental in helping both burns victims, and professionals within his field, through his advocacy to ensure equal opportunities for female resident doctors and surgical specialists.

“It is wonderful to see Professor Pegg and Professor Shepherd recognised at this level, and I would like to congratulate them both for this remarkable accomplishment.”

Professor Shepherd completed Honours at UQ in 1966 and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2011.

Professor Pegg was a Surgical Supervisor at Royal Brisbane Hospital and was awarded a Doctor of Medicine at UQ in 2006 and the Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award in 2018.

Professor Smallwood, a Bindal Birrigubba Kalkadoon and South Sea Islander woman, is internationally renowned for her advocacy and her role as a former consultant for the World Health Organisation.

As a registered nurse and midwife, she has been delivering care in communities across Queensland and remote Australia for 50 years.

Image above left: Emeritus Professor Stuart Pegg AM.

Image right: Honorary Professor Gracelyn Smallwood

Media: UQ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au, +61 (0)429 056 139