Posthumous degree awarded, 54 years on

The Faculty of Law at the University of Auckland is holding a special event on 5 December to celebrate the conferring of a posthumous Master of Laws (LLM) – 54 years later.

Glen Ian Silvester, 27, was killed in a climbing accident on Mount Taranaki on 3 May 1965, a few days before the graduation ceremony, so never received his degree award.

Glen completed his LLB in 1961 and was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court the same year, and barrister in 1962. He won a Hugh Campbell Scholarship to study for his LLM, which he completed in 1964. He was also a part-time tutor at the University.

An obituary in Craccum from the time says his interests weren't confined to his profession. In 1963 he was Vice-President of the American Field Service and a dedicated church worker. 

He was survived by his wife and son, the son who for some time has been keen to see his father's degree conferred posthumously.

That occurred during the September graduation ceremonies, after staff in the Records and Graduation Offices confirmed his eligibility.

Glen's achievements and degree will now be celebrated on 5 December with a special ceremony in the Faculty of Law.  

The event will be attended by family members including his son and granddaughter, the latter who is a law student.