Jill Dowd and her husband the Hon John Dowd AO KC at the 2014 VC awards It is with deep sadness that the University announces the passing of Helen ‘Jill’ Dowd on January 11th 2023, aged 82 years.
Jill was the wife of the Hon John Dowd AO KC, a former Chancellor of Southern Cross University who served from 2002 to September 2014, conferring almost 35,000 degrees during his time as Chancellor.
Jill attended many University functions with John and became friends with many University staff.
Jill often had lunch with members of staff when John was chairing University Council meetings and her down-to-earth nature was something everyone admired.
A regular guest at Southern Cross graduations, Jill attended close to 150 University graduation ceremonies.
Jill and John were together for 67 years and the University expresses our deepest condolences to John and his family at such a sad time.
The University has lost a dear friend.
