Proud of our graduates - Alumni Award winners 2012
A fashion designer, a clinical neurologist, and a philanthropist are just three of the exceptional University of Newcastle graduates named recipients in this year’s Alumni Awards.
The Awards recognise professional excellence, innovation, creativity, exceptional leadership and those who inspire others in a range of fields through local, national or international service.
The recipients of all eight categories have been announced tonight during a gala dinner at Newcastle City Hall.
Norwegian-born designer and business woman, Ms Linda Bergskas, took out the Newton-John Award, presented to a graduate displaying innovation or creativity that improves life.
Ms Bergskas, who graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design in 2002, is behind the rising fashion label Guanabana, which debuted at Australian Fashion Week in 2010.
Guanabana is now a global brand stocked in more than 100 stores in Australia, Japan, the US and Norway. The label has been worn by high-profile celebrities including tennis champion Serena Williams and model Jennifer Hawkins.
Clinical Neurologist Associate Professor Mark Parsons was jointly awarded the Alumni Medal and philanthropist Jennie Thomas was recognised with the Alumni Award for Exceptional Community Service.
Find out about other award recipients at UoN Blog
View the photo gallery of the 2012 alumni Awards here
