Uni says thanks with its ultimate gong

Owen Glenn (left) and Hugh Fletcher both become honorary Doctors of Laws courtesy of the University of Auckland. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Owen Glenn can now tick the "Dr" box on forms, should he so wish, after receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Auckland - despite never attaining any formal qualifications.

In a ceremony yesterday, Mr Glenn and Hugh Fletcher were both given honorary Doctor of Laws degrees for their contributions to New Zealand and the university.

In 2002, Mr Glenn gave $7.5 million to the University of Auckland Business School - believed to be the largest private donation in New Zealand educational history - and in 2008, it named a new building after him.

After receiving the honorary degree yesterday, Mr Glenn joked: "That was the only way I could get into the university - you build a business school, they give you a doctorate.

"But I think it's more than that, I don't want to treat it lightly. It's a great honour. But apart from running for Prime Minister, there's not much left, is there?"

With all Mr Glenn's accolades - including being an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit - he said he was beginning to need a larger business card.

Mr Fletcher, a former CEO of Fletcher Challenge, was recognised for his strong support for the university since graduating with a BSc and an MCom with honours.

He served 12 years on the University Council and was chancellor from 2004 to 2008 - when it was estimated he capped more than 30,000 students.

The careers of the two men honoured yesterday were linked right from the beginning when Mr Fletcher's grandfather spoke at Mr Glenn's graduation from Mt Roskill Grammar.

"It was a stirring speech, along the lines of: believe in yourself, have a strong work ethic and follow your dreams," Mr Glenn said.

After leaving high school at just 15, Mr Glenn worked as a bank teller, in a woolstore, a timberyard and at a wall-board manufacturing company before leaving for Australia.

He has gone on to become one of New Zealand's foremost business success stories and has just sold the company he founded with $2000 in 1978 for "a little over" $500 million.