Meet your 2026 Alumni Excellence Awards recipients

Our alumni are shaping the world and we’re proud to celebrate them. From groundbreaking research to global health initiatives, international diplomacy to broadcast journalism, our 2026 award recipients are making waves across industries and communities worldwide. Their achievements don’t just inspire; they pave the way for the next generation and leave a lasting mark on the world.

View last year's recipients

2025 Alumni Excellence Awards

Learn more

Award Categories

The Awards acknowledge achievements of extraordinary alumni across nine categories:

The Alumni Medal Convocation Medal for Exceptional Contribution* Newton-John Alumni Medal International Leadership Award National Leadership Award Indigenous Alumni Award Beryl Nashar Young Researcher Award Young Alumni Award Alumni Award for Outstanding Volunteerism*

* Only University of Newcastle staff can put forward nominations for the Convocation Medal for Exceptional Contribution
and the Alumni Award for Outstanding Volunteerism.

Introducing this year's Alumni Awards Artist

Sophie Elinor

Sophie Elinor is an Australian typographer and graphic designer and proud University of Newcastle alum, graduating with a Bachelor of Visual Communication (Graphic Design) and receiving the Katie Reinikka Memorial Prize for top GPA.

Working primarily with letterforms, Sophie brings words to life through a playful blend of design and language across illustration, visual art, stop-motion, craft and animation. Her work is thoughtful and joyful, known for its sense of humour and bold and vibrant colour palettes that leave a lasting impression.

We are proud to feature Sophie as the 2026 Alumni Excellence Awards Artist.

sophieelinor.com
@sophie_elinor