Picture: Vince Caligiuri
Former professional rugby league player Hazem El Masri will be among those graduating from the University of Western Sydney next week.
He will be one of 2448 students to don the cap and gown for the UWS Spring Graduations at Parramatta campus from Tuesday to Thursday.
The Bulldogs’ Rookie of the Year in 1997, El Masri will receive an Honorary Doctorate from UWS on Tuesday.
Known as El Magic by his fans, the devout Muslim captained Lebanon in the 2000 World Cup and finished the 2001 season by equalling Darryl Halligan’s club record of 270 points.
His 19 tries also equalled the club record set by Chris Anderson in 1983, although this mark was bettered by Nigel Vagana the following year.
Also receiving Honorary Doctorates from UWS next week are the Governor-General of Australia, Quentin Bryce (on Thursday) and Mark Bouris, the executive chairman of the Yellow Brick Road (on Tuesday).
Honorary Doctorates are awarded by the university in recognition of individual excellence in professional service, business leadership, community service or for a valuable contribution to the advancement of knowledge.
UWS holds three graduation ceremonies a year.
‘‘There’s more than 100,000 UWS graduates out there now since the university opened in 1989,’’ a UWS spokesman said.