Keith Conlon

Keith Conlon graduated from the University of Adelaide in 1968 with Arts and Law degrees and said his time outside of the classroom - coupled with the social and cultural milieu of the time - ensured his university years were among his most formative.

"Obviously I gained a very good education, but I got a lot more than that," he said.

"We were very fortunate to live in an age of much activity - I kept myself quite busy with things like Footlights, Law School revues, and the University Jazz Club, and I met a lot of people who have become life-long friends and contacts."

After graduating, Mr Conlon started his radio career with 5AD and tutored in Law and Politics part-time at the University.

He was the Foundation Director of the University's - and Australia's first educational and community radio station, Radio 5UV, which (now known as Radio Adelaide).

"We were very fortunate: the University had the idea but not the financial wherewithal to act on it, and we had an anonymous benefactor at the time who wanted to give back to education.

"The donor gave $100,000 - which was a staggering amount of money at the time - and we had to work hard to get it off the ground, but it resulted in a community radio station which still plays a big role in education and community broadcasting."

Mr Conlon's subsequent career - prominent radio and television host, and seemingly limitless charity and community participant and leader - still intersects frequently with the University of Adelaide.

Recipent of 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award for his outstanding contribution to the cultural life of South Australia; to economic development, particularly through tourism promotion; and to arts and education.