2021 Alumni Excellence Awards
Mr Peter Cockbain AM
Alumni Medal for Professional Excellence
Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering) 1973
Co-Founder, Ampcontrol
A distinguished innovator, entrepreneur, industrialist and philanthropist, Peter Cockbain AM is one of Australia’s most highly regarded and influential engineers.
Anne Flanagan
Newton-John Alumni Medal
Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies) 2001
Vice President of PR, Communications & CSR, Getty Images
Inspired to change the visual narrative within the advertising industry, Anne Flanagan has confronted the cultural bias and narrow beauty ideals perpetuated through advertising for decades
Emeritus Professor Alan Roberts
Convocation Medal for Exceptional Contribution
Honorary Degree - Doctor of the University 1995
Emeritus Professor, School of Engineering, University of Newcastle
Emeritus Professor Alan Roberts AM has dedicated his career to providing students with life ready skills to make their mark in industry and society.
Ashley Gordon
Indigenous Alumni Award
Bachelor of Education 1992
Executive Director, NSW Aboriginal Safe Gambling Services
Ashley Gordon is a passionate believer that disadvantage in Aboriginal communities and the issues associated with it, including drug, alcohol and gambling addiction, can only be tackled through authentic engagement and collaboration with Aboriginal people.
Monika Goforth
International Leadership Award
Master of Social Change and Development 2011
Executive Director, Appropriate Technology Collaborative
Inspired to disrupt the system perpetuating global inequality, Monika Goforth has dedicated her life to finding and promoting innovative, real-world solutions to break the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.
Dr Scott Sleap
National Leadership Award
Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Engineering) 2015, Bachelor of Education 1996
STEM Project Advisor 7-12, NSW Department of Education
Dr Scott Sleap is a national STEM education leader who pioneers visionary programs, linking industry and education, to support the development of Australia’s future workforce.
Dr Rickie Elliott
Regional Leadership Award
Doctor of Clinical Psychology 2013, Bachelor of Psychology 2005
Clinical Psychologist and Director, The Hummingbird Centre
Working on the coalface of the mental health crisis, Dr Rickie Elliott is a leader in antenatal and postnatal mental health, attachment, developmental trauma and the field of addiction.
Dr Li Kheng Chai
Beryl Nashar Young Researcher Award
Doctor of Philosophy 2020, Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics 2013
Research Fellow, Health and Wellbeing Queensland
Dr Li Kheng Chai is a pioneer in the prevention and management of obesity in children and an active proponent for health equity for all Australians.
Stuart Evans
Young Alumni Award
Bachelor of Business 2008, Bachelor of Economics 2008
Principal, Vivid Economics
Influencing global climate change policy, developing an internationally recognised Emissions Trading System Handbook and helping countries cut emissions and implement their commitments under the Paris Agreement is all in a day’s work for Stuart Evans.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.