Oskar Stünzner has made a significant contribution as a scientist, educator, veterinary administrator and practitioner both within Australia and in the Pacific area.

Coming to Australia in 1962 from his birthplace of Samoa, Oskar graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1966 from the University of Queensland.  He returned to Samoa and in 1967 was appointed as Veterinary Authority within the Samoan Ministry of Agriculture, Forests and Fisheries.  With little experience and having only recently graduated, Oskar was charged with the challenging task of establishing a veterinary service for that country.  His efforts led to many changes within the industry including the eradication of a range of serious diseases and the introduction of pregnancy testing to raise productivity levels in livestock herds.

Oskar Stünzner receives his award

Most significantly Oskar also helped to advance animal health standards towards a more self sufficient approach by training local Samoans as ‘associate expert veterinarians' through a program developed and funded by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation.

In the early 70's Oskar operated a private mixed veterinary practice in Central Queensland.  As a veterinary surgeon, he achieved an impressive reputation as a dedicated, highly competent and caring practitioner.  He continually strove for excellence in his chosen profession, while sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge.

In 1973 he took up a lecturing role in hygiene and meat inspection in a public health training program in Samoa under the auspices of the World Health Organisation (WHO).  Realising the importance of raising and maintaining animal health standards, Oskar has shared his knowledge through lecturing and training programs in both Samoa and Australia.  Furthermore, he extended his quest for advancement in knowledge to encompass students at secondary and tertiary levels from both local and overseas areas, encouraging their development as future rural, agricultural and veterinary practitioners.  He regularly made his property available for tuition and mentoring purposes.

He also paid attention to his own professional development, gaining both a Graduate Diploma in Management by distance education and a Certificate in ‘Train the Trainer' from Central Queensland University in the mid 80's as well as a Certificate in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Sydney in 2006.

An outstanding CQUniversity alumnus, today we too seek to recognise Oskar's outstanding achievements and contribution to the veterinary sector and I have much pleasure, Mr Chancellor, in asking you to confer on Oskar Stünzner the degree of Honorary Master of Science.