Aunty Lynette Crocker has dedicated much of her life and work to Aboriginal Education.
On Tuesday the Senior Kaurna Elder was recognised as such, for her "distinguished service and exceptional contributions" to the community, and Tirkangkaku (Adelaide University).
At this week's inaugural graduation ceremony for the University — following the merger of University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia — Aunty Lynette received the new school's first honorary doctorate.
Her own start to education began out of the classroom environment most understand as normal, and instead via radio.
Adelaide University recognises Aunty Lynette's eventual path advancing reconciliation, truth-telling and two-way knowledge sharing, as an inaugural and ongoing member of its Purkarninthi Elders Group, in Native Title and land actions, reconciliation, Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation and more.
On Tuesday, Aunty Lynette said she was honoured to accept the honorary doctorate.
"I'd like to reflect a little on how I got here. My journey started from humble beginnings. My mother taught me through correspondence on the radio, that was the start of my education path," she said at the ceremony.
"Every job and process I have had in my life has been around Aboriginal education, culture and heritage. About who you are as a person and where you can stand on Country, and where you have a right to stand.
"With that right comes an obligation, an obligation that has been given to us by our ancestors, which goes back generations and lets you know who you are and where you come from, so you have a sense of belonging to that country and to your People."
Aunty Lynette also acknowledged her peers and colleagues on her journey.
"Given her distinguished service and exceptional contributions to both the University and to the community, Aunty Lynette is a most worthy recipient," Adelaide University Vice Chencellor and Presideny, Professor Nicola Phillips said.
"Aunty Lynette empowers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their communities through cultural leadership, knowledge sharing and advocacy, to ensure that First Nations voices and stories are visible, present and heard."
Alongside Aunty Lynette's honour were students receiving their degrees as the new University's first cohort of graduates.
Among them were Wiilman Noongar man Tyran Hill, graduating with a Masters in secondary teaching.
He's already the Scholarships Program Manager for Adelaide at the GO! Foundation.
"I've seen firsthand the opportunities that education can create, not just for my career, but for culture, sport, everything," Mr Hill said.
"I hope that by completing my teaching studies, I can not only be seen as a positive role model for our young mob, but more importantly can provide them educational opportunities much greater and fairer than those our Elders had before us."
More than 4,700 students will graduate in Adelaide University's first graduation cycle over the next week and a half.
