One of its leaders, Rector Jonathan L Parapak, received an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the University of Tasmania (UTAS), Australia
?Saturday, 19 April 2008 became a very special day for Pelita Harapan University (UPH). One of its leaders, Rector Jonathan L Parapak, received an Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the University of Tasmania (UTAS), Australia. Many people who know him both personally and professionally came here, showing how highly they respect him as an extraordinary individual.
One of the reasons the honorary degree is given to the rector is because he is an alumnus of UTAS, where he obtained his Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Engineering Science degrees. However, his alumni status is not the sole factor to UTAS? decision to bestow the honorary degree upon him. His professional achievements were also taken into account.
In the beginning of his engineering career, he participated in the computerized design of radio systems, planned the radio and microwave links between Tasmania and Mainland Australia, and designed and built one of the largest horn antennas in King Island with John Macey. Later, he participated in the design of some of the major systems in Australia ? including the Melbourne-Perth system and Brisbane-Mt Isa microwave system ? which became the backbones for communication broadband in Australia.
Simply put, Jonathan Parapak is one of the pioneers in the establishment of modern communication between Indonesia and the rest of the world.
Many people who cherish, admire, and respect Parapak attended the ceremony for the conferral of the honorary degree, including his family, colleagues, and students. In his speech, Parapak repeatedly mentioned his beloved family, in particular his wife Anne, who has been very supportive to him. His speech also reflected the spiritual person he is.
For UPH?s President Sheldon Nord, Jonathan Parapak is effective, productive and relevant, yet also humble and unassuming. The Vice-Chancellor and President of University of Tasmania Prof Daryl Le Grew states that Dr Parapak portrays all the attributes that one would wish for in a graduate. ?He is the quiet achiever, humble and self-effacing but relentless in his pursuit of excellence and the accomplishment of his projects,? adds Prof Le Grew.
An honorary degree ? which comes from Latin words ?honoris causa? meaning ?for the sake of the honor? ? recognizes individuals who have achievements of extraordinary and lasting distinction. Given both his academic and professional achievements, not only has Jonathan Parapak earned this degree, he also undoubtedly deserves to receive such a degree.
By Tommy Fitriadi, CA
