Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division

For significant service to tertiary education, and as an academic in the fields of humanities and social sciences.

Professor Runia knows Queen’s well, having been a student 1969-1971, and our seventh Master from 2002-2016.

“When I first came to Queen’s, I appreciated expanding my horizons in the wider Australian world, as I came from a migrant background. I enjoyed building friendships with fellow students who were doing quite different studies, and was greatly helped by the mentoring of the Master Dr Parnaby, his wife Joy who taught in the history department, and the Vice-Master, the amazing Jack Clarke.”

As Master, he enjoyed working with young people.

“It was mentally really invigorating to change the focus of my work to the leadership of an academic community, but also really challenging, especially in the early years. I worked hard to develop more scholarships so that students from less privileged backgrounds could attend. I also loved interacting with people from different areas of life, including parents, Wyverns, university and college staff. It was a joy to see the College flourish.”

The recent honour is pleasing personally for Professor Runia, but also as it is a recognition of the importance of the various fields in which he has been active.

“I taught and conducted research in ancient philosophy and classical culture for many years, which all started with my Latin lessons at The Geelong College. I passionately believe that the study of the humanities and the classics is valuable for society at large, that history and philosophy are relevant to today’s world. In making us think about how we should live and act. Plato and Aristotle still have much to teach us, in the role of thought and reflection, of excellence and goodness.”

Asked what his mantra is, Professor Runia said his aim is to give thanks every morning for the promise of a new day, and to commit himself to doing some good in whatever happens on that day.

To acknowledge Professor David and Gonni Runia’s valued contribution to Queen’s College, the post graduate building carries both their names. https://queens.unimelb.edu.au/the-david-and-gonni-runia-building/