Nicholas Prince, a distinguished graduate from the University of Wollongong (UOW), has been awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal by the International Red Cross, marking a monumental achievement in recognition of his outstanding contributions to nursing in the face of adversity.
The Florence Nightingale Medal is considered the highest international distinction a nurse can achieve, bestowed by the International Red Cross to honour those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to humanity, particularly in times of armed conflict and natural disasters.
The award was presented to Mr Prince by the Governor General Hon. David Hurley at a ceremony. It also makes Mr Prince the first Australian male recipient of the award and 62nd Australian since 1920.
Mr Prince graduated from UOW with a Master in Public Health (1999-2001) has exemplified the qualities that the Florence Nightingale Medal seeks to honour. His persistent commitment to providing healthcare to victims of armed conflict and natural disasters in some of the most challenging environments around the world has set him apart as an extraordinary healthcare professional.
UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia M. Davidson congratulated Mr Prince on the outstanding recognition and for his exceptional service to community.
“On behalf of the University of Wollongong, I would like to acknowledge and congratulate Nicholas’ significant achievement in being awarded the International Committee of the Red Cross Florence Nightingale Medal,” Professor Davidson said.
“This is a fitting recognition of Nicholas’ devotion, courage, and outstanding global impact, having worked as a nurse for the last 30 years and completing 17 international deployments with the Red Cross.
“To receive the highest international distinction a nurse can achieve already marks Nicholas as exceptional. His accomplishments inspire past, current and future students of the University to make a positive impact on our global communities.
“Our best wishes to Nicholas in the coming years as he continues his remarkable humanitarian work.
In his work overseas, Mr Prince has displayed exceptional compassion, resilience, and expertise, often working under challenging conditions to deliver life-saving care to those in need.
“Achieving a Master in Public Health awarded as a Distinction at UOW very much influenced, contributed and supported by various roles working for the International Red Cross, UNICEF, UNHCR and WHO,” Mr Prince said.
