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Acknowledging Alumni

2012 Alumni Awards - From Little Things Big Things Grow



On Wednesday 17th October, more than 300 guests attended the gala dinner at Newcastle City Hall to celebrate the 37th Annual Alumni Awards. The dinner was hosted by the Executive Committee of Alumni to acknowledge our Alumni who have inspired others with their regional, national and international achievements.

Phil Tweed (Bachelor of Music 1995), Jess O’Dea (Bachelor of Teaching and Health & Physical Education 2010), Holly Clayton (Bachelor of Communications 2007), Clare Rooney (Bachelor of Development Studies 2010), Joel Proctor (Bachelor of Music student) and Stu Brown (Bachelor of Music 2004) entertained with a Phil Tweed arrangement of Climb Every Mountain.

2011 Alumni Awards - The Sky is the Limit

On 14 September, more than 300 guests attended the gala dinner at the Newcastle City Hall, to celebrate the 36th annual Alumni Awards.

2010 Alumni Awards - Honouring Distinction

35th annual Alumni Awards presented by the Executive Committee of Alumni.

The theme of Honouring Distinction could not have been more appropriate for the 35th annual Alumni Awards. Held at Newcastle City Hall on 13 October 2010, the 'sold out' Gala Dinner brought together 300 people including the Chancellor, Professor Trevor Waring, and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Saunders, faculty staff, Hunter business and community leaders, as well as alumni from near and far.The quality of the candidates across all seven awards was fantastic, said the President of Alumni, Brian Kennaugh. The University is proud of its graduates and this was a perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of some of our most successful alumni.

Newcastle City Hall was transformed for the 35th annual Alumni Awards gala dinner. Thanks to Tracey Irving from Ousha Events for creating an inviting atmosphere. The award winning University of Newcastle Chamber Choir - fresh from their gold medal winning performances in China entertained the audience. Finalists for the 2010 Convocation Medal for Professional Excellence. (From left) Professor Julie Byles, Professor Fengming Zhang, Cheong-Chua Koon Hean, Associate Professor WANG Shuguang. The President of the Executive Committee of Alumni, Mr Brian Kennaugh making the opening address at the 35th annual Alumni Awards. The Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Saunders announcing the finalists for the inaugural Young Alumni of the Year award. Sarah Kemp (MBA 2009) is the inaugural recipient of the Young Alumni Award. The Young Alumni Award is awarded to recognise the outstanding achievement and/or contribution made by a graduate aged 30 years or younger (at time of nomination). Sarah started her own company in 2007 called Smart Future Consulting (Pty) Ltd which aims to meeting the growing demand for professionals who specialise in creating change for a sustainable future.Dr Jaquelyne Hughes (B Medicine 2000) is the inaugural recipient of the Indigenous Alumni Award. The Indigenous Alumni Award is to recognise outstanding achievement and/or contribution made by an indigenous graduate in their chosen field, demonstrating initiative and excellence. Dr Hughes was one of two indigeous doctors awarded the Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) for the first time.Jaqui Hughes with Professor John Maynard, Director of the University's Wollotuka Institute who presented the award.Dr Jaqui Hughes recipient of the 2010 Indigenous Alumni Award with her family and friends.Members of the Executive Committee of Alumni (from left) Tracey Irving, Donna McLean, Debbie Bradbery and Julie McLeod. Roxana Olivares (member of the Executive Committee of Alumni) (far right); with colleagues from The Forum. Business and Law graduates at the Burke, Elphick and Mead Lawyers table. Staff, graduates and guests from the Faculty of Education and Arts. Anne Graham, Annette Collins, Claire Williams, Gael Davies, Hon Sonia Honery MP, Kerrie Coles, Lisa Slade, Miranda Lawry, Ray Collins, Professor Richard Vella and Robert Parkes. Staff, graduates and guests from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. Brett Ninness, Brian and Kay Suters, Bronwyn Williams,Heng Lim CHEONG, James Tocci (member of Executive Committee of Alumni), Professor John  Carter (PVC FEBE), Koon Hean CHEONG- CHUA (recipient of Convocation Medal for Professional Excellence), Tony Williams (Head of School Architecture and Built Environment).Dr Andrew Hedges - recipient of the 2010 Alumni Award for Regional Leadership. The Alumni Award for Regional Leadership recognises an outstanding graduate who has made significant contributions as a leader in business, commerce, industry or public service in a regional context. Dr Hedges is a specialist in reproductive medicine, reproductive endocrinology, infertility and gynecology. Dr Andrew Hedges with his family at the 2010 Alumni Awards. Guests at the 2010 Alumni Awards - Kerrell Bourne (Finalist for 2010 Alumni Award for Community Service), Anne Crisp (nominator), Susan Eade, Gail White and Professor Cate D'Este. Finalists for the 2010 Alumni Award for International Leadership (from left) Associate Professor Zhou Yun, Associate Professor Wang Shuguang, Dr Anthony Diallo and Cheong-Chua Koon Hean. Associate Professor Wang Shuguang is the 2010 recipient of the Alumni Award for International Leadership. The Alumni Award for International Leadership recognises an outstanding graduate who has made significant contributions as a leader in business, commence, industry or public service in an international context. Dr Wang is a leading socio-psychologist and internationally recognised researcher and policy advisor in the field of HIV/AIDS in China.Graduates and guests at the 2010 Alumni Awards. Graduates and guests at the 2010 Alumni Awards. Dr Bernie Curran with Robert Nelson - recipient of the 2010 Alumni Award for Community Service. The Alumni Award for Community Service is awarded to recognise the work of an outstanding individual who has made a significant contribution to the University or Hunter communities. Robert Nelson is the Founder of the University of Newcastle Science and Engineering Challenge - the only science program of its scale in Australia. Robert Nelson recipient of the 2010 Alumni Award for Community Service with colleagues from the Science and Engineering Challenge and family.Newcastle City Hall transformed for the Alumni Awards.Yasser Hamed is the youngest ever recipient of the Newton-John Award with Mrs Valerie Newton-John (widow of Professor Brin Newton-John) and Toby Newton-John. The Newton-John Award is presented to a graduate displaying innovation or creativity in any field that has improved life, particularly in the Newcastle or Hunter region. Yasser is a senior Technical Director for Walt Disney Feature Animation in Los Angeles, USA. Yasser Hamed making his acceptance speech. Yasser Hamed with his family. Cheong-Chua Koon Hean - the recipient of the 2010 Convocation Medal for Professional Excellence. The Convocation Medal for Professional Excellence is awarded to a graduate with an outstanding record of professional excellence in leadership, knowledge and / or professional practice. Mrs Cheong-Chua Koon Hean is the CEO for the Housing Development Board of Singapore and Deputy Secretary (Special Duties), Ministry of National Development, Singapore. From left Colin Anderson - 1980 recipient of the Newton-John Award, Anne Morris and Allan Morris - the inaugural recipient of the Newton-John Award (1975).