
Meet our alumni
Our alumni have accomplished amazing things, from medical breakthroughs to artistic expression, from sporting stars to human rights advocates. Discover their inspirational journeys as they bring about positive change in the world.
Do you have an amazing story to tell? We'd love to hear from you!
Alumni in Australia
Fifty Years of Impact: Celebrating our First Alumni Award Recipient
From editing Opus and experiencing the University’s transition to autonomy, to championing people-first urban planning and driving employment recovery after BHP’s collapse as a dedicated Labour Party member, Allan Morris shares his remarkable life journey.
Meet the Founder Championing Accessible Beauty
What began as an injury became a turning point for Storm, revealing the daily barriers people with disabilities face. Determined to break them down and reshape beauty standards, she founded an accessible beauty brand with a bold mission: to make inclusivity the norm.
Meet the Ecologist Turning Passion into Impact
From the Great Barrier Reef to Sumatra’s wild jungles, Sonny’s work as an ecologist spans some of the planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems. Discover how his career in restoration, eco-tourism, and conservation volunteering is making a real difference.
Meet the Mental Health Nurse Turning Lived Experience Into Lasting Change
From her first steps into the healthcare industry as a 16-year-old carer to becoming a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse and published author, Rasa’s story is one of resilience, empathy, and dedication to her patients, profession, and community.
Meet the Nurse Advocating for Aboriginal Health & Wellbeing
As a proud Gomeroi woman raised in the Darkinjung Aboriginal community on the Central Coast, Jackie has seen both the resilience and challenges faced by Aboriginal people. Driven by a deep commitment to her heritage, she is dedicated to fostering meaningful change and empowering communities.
Meet the AI Tech Engineer Changing the Future of Retail
What began as a passion for music became a fascination with engineering and AI. Chris and his team turned a garage startup into a global tech company, transforming the operations of major retailers with AI-driven product recognition.
From Sydney to Paris: How Izzy Lawrence’s Instagram Caught the Eye of Chanel
Izzy Lawrence’s bold, vibrant illustrations and savvy social media presence have skyrocketed her to global acclaim. With a blend of creativity, consistency, and connection, she’s transformed her passion into partnerships with iconic brands from Starbucks to The New York Times, proving the power of art to inspire and captivate.
Narrating Change: The Life and Career of Helen Kapalos
Growing up in Newcastle, Helen's deep connection to the community and her resilient journey through personal and professional challenges have shaped her illustrious career in broadcasting, filmmaking, and advocacy. Helen will return to her alma mater to MC the 49th Alumni Excellence Awards on September 12.
From Local Beginnings to Global Headlines: Adam's Journey as an International Journalist
Adam's career highlights the profound impact of local news on aspiring journalists, the crucial task of uncovering the 'why' behind every story, and the challenges of the ever-evolving digital media landscape.
The Power of Passion: Kelsey Gray's Journey in Environmental Advocacy
Discover the extraordinary journey of Kelsey Gray, a University of Newcastle alumna whose unwavering passion for the environment has propelled her from a small town in NSW to the global stage of environmental advocacy.
From Good Intentions to Lasting Impact: Sally Hetherington's Journey
Armed with a Bachelor of Business from the University of Newcastle, Sally Hetherington embarked on a career path that would lead her to unexpected places.
Meet Adam. Co-founder and CEO of Temple & Webster
After completing a Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies), Adam had a successful career in the media industry before becoming an entrepreneur.
From Aspiring Artist to Music Industry Mogul: The Journey of Ron Haryanto
With over 20 years in the music industry, Ron Haryanto's journey has taken him from collaborating with renowned artists as a songwriter and performer, and into his current role as the leader of Australia's largest creative community at Studios 301 and Abbey Road Institute.
Empowering Excellence: How Five Remarkable Alumni Fuelled the Matildas Historic Journey to the FIFA Women's World Cup Semi-Finals
Discover the untold stories of our alumni behind the Matildas historic journey to the FIFA Women's World Cup Semi-Finals. Unity, empowerment, and athletic triumph - how the Matildas are redefining women's sports in Australia.
Lawyer, indigenous activist, PhD candidate and alumna, Taylah Gray
As a proud Wiradjuri woman from Dubbo, not only is Taylah the first identified Aboriginal person to undertake a PhD in Law at the University of Newcastle, at just 26 she is making waves in creating social change for First Nations people.
Young entrepreneurs and alumni are making waves in their industry
Hear from six young entrepreneurs making waves across tourism, pharmaceuticals, food science, and mental health.
Soprano at Windsor Castle and alumna, Miriam Allan
Very few people have the distinct honour of residing in Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and home to generations of British royalty. That’s the reality for alumna, Miriam Allan (BMus(Hons) 2000/MCA 2004).
Managing Director of Audi Australia and alumnus, Jeff Mannering
Master of Business Administration (2019) alumnus, Jeff Mannering spent years in leading roles for Audi in Korea, the Middle East and Singapore, and has returned to Australian shores to lead Audi on an innovative path as the technological spearhead of Volkswagen Group, Australia.
Ma & Morley Ambassador and alumnus, Jarrod Sansom
Jarrod Sansom, an alumnus and Ma & Morley Ambassador, is a talented performer, having starred in the hit musical Jersey Boys. He is also a NSW Country champion and record holder for the 400m hurdles.
Co-founder of 'LeukBook' and alumna, Catherine Olivier
Bachelor of Commerce (2014) alumna Catherine Olivier is the COO and Co-founder of LeukBook. We discussed her career since graduation and what the business means to her.
Artist and alumna, Jasmine Craciun
Journalist, storyteller and co-host of Australia’s first all-Indigenous breakfast show, Big Mob Brekky, Shahni Wellington
Shahni Wellington is a proud Jerrinja woman of the Wandi Wandian people. As a journalist and storyteller, Shahni works tirelessly to elevate the voices of Indigenous Australians in the media. This is Shahni’s story. What's yours?
World-class researcher and alumna, Professor Gail Garvey
Professor Gail Garvey is a proud Kamilaroi woman from NSW. As a world-class researcher and leader, her work has led to the first National Roundtable identifying research priorities in cancer for Indigenous Australians and the establishment of the National Indigenous Cancer Network. This is Gail’s story. What's yours?
World-leading IVF scientist and alumnus, Steven McArthur
Growing up surfing the waves of Merewether Beach, Steven was drawn to science from a young age. After taking an interest in biology at high school, Steven went on to study science at the University of Newcastle and was soon offered a job as a technical officer in an IVF laboratory.
Professional Footballer and alumnus, Ben Kantarovski
Edging on close to 200 appearances for the club, the Newcastle local sat down to chat about what it's like to play for his home team, juggling a professional football career and uni, and how the spirit of community has kept him going through the years.
Artist and alumnus, Brett Piva
A contemporary artist and curator based in Newcastle; Brett completed a Bachelor of Visual Communication Design at the University of Newcastle in 2004.
Recipient of the 2019 Alumni Medal for Professional Excellence, Ruth Lopert
Ruth Lopert is a public health physician, pharmacoeconomist, teacher, researcher, and independent consultant in global health, pharmaceutical policy, and health technology assessment. She is a strong advocate in the intersecting areas of trade, globalization, and intellectual property.
Newcastle Young Citizen of the year and alumnus, Bhavi Ravindran
Bhavi Ravindran was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the medical profession at such a young age.
Award-winning financial adviser and alumna, Adele Martin
Adele Martin is an award-winning financial adviser giving back to her community through the University of Newcastle’s Student Hardship Fund. By donating a percentage of her business’ profit to supporting the purchase of laptops for students in need, she combines business with philanthropy.
Alumni across the world
Race Wong’s transformation from entertainer to entrepreneur
Empowering Women in esports; Sarah Voon's Digital Media Journey
Sarah Voon stands as a shining example of female empowerment, leading the charge in reshaping the digital landscape, one online community at a time. Her journey began with a Bachelor of Communication from the University of Newcastle in 2012, setting the stage for her illustrious career in the media industry.
Leader in global health and alumnus, Dr Shyam Bishen
His impact at the World Economic Forum is unparalleled, as he collaborates with world leaders to shape healthcare agendas and prepare for pandemics. With a relentless drive to transform healthcare, his vision is to outperform future pandemics within "100 days".
President and CEO of the largest taxi company in Indonesia, Noni Purnomo
Noni Purnomo is a widely recognised business leader and philanthropist in Indonesia. She is the President and CEO of the family-owned Blue Bird Group Holding, the largest taxi company in Indonesia.
'Match-maker' and alumna, Dr Kira Mileham
Dr. Kira Mileham is ‘match-maker’ for the world’s leading species conservationists. Kira works to connect 9,000+ scientists from 163 countries with organisations, governments, donors, and practitioners to collectively ensure species survival. This is Kira's story. What's yours?
These two friends met their partners while studying
The University of Newcastle doesn't just give you a world-class education, it changes lives. Hear from two couples who met their best friends, their partners, and started the careers of their dreams here at the University of Newcastle.
Tandin Wangmo is helping stop human trafficking in Bhutan
Tandin Wangmo is currently the Head of Office and the National Project Coordinator for the Regional Office of South Asia, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), working out of Bhutan. Her focus is on leading anti-human trafficking programs.
Dato' Ir Dr Abu Bakar Bin Jaafar shares his legacy with daughter Siti Hajar A Bakar
Alumnus, Dato' Ir Dr Abu Bakar Bin believes that the best part of his life was spent at the University of Newcastle. Hear how he passed on his University of Newcastle legacy to his daughter and alumnus Siti Hajar A Bakar.
Product manager with American Express Global and alumnus, Vishnu Prasad Pavan Kumar
Indian-born Pavan Kumar says his Master of Information Technology from the University of Newcastle played an important part in getting him where he is today.
Global Alumni Ambassador, Faiz Kamaludin
Hear from alumnus Faiz Kamaludin; a pilot, astronaut, founder of the Astronautical Association of Malaysia, and proud Global Alumni Ambassador for the University of Newcastle.
Expert in biotechnology and alumna, Dr Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni
Dr Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni is an expert in biotechnology. She is currently investigating the pharmaceutical applications of native plants in her home country Samoa.
Ronnie Aiolupotea returns to Samoa to make a positive impact
Ronnie is proud that he can provide a positive impact for the Samoan people on a national level, but it’s not something he would have had the courage to do before studying at the University of Newcastle.
Global Alumni Ambassador, Yifan Wang
Yifan Wang came to the University of Newcastle through the Sichuan International Studies Double Degree Program and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2017. She describes her experience as ‘transformational and life changing’.
Kanishk Kumar embraces an international mindset
Kanishk Kumar is a business development and market entry consulting professional, with a reputation for helping businesses grow. With interests in both India and Australia, Kanishk was awarded the Excellence in Service Award by Austrade.
Architectures and alum, Caik Leng Chua and LP Yap
University of Newcastle alumni Caik Leng Chua and LP Yap run a successful architectural practice in Kuala Lumpur. When looking to recruit, they turned to the University of Newcastle to find their next talented architect, Nur Saliza Zakaria.
Karan Gupta find his passion in financial planning
Karan Gupta’s passion in life is to help his clients plan and achieve their life goals by providing sound financial services. Karan first found his passion at Sykes & Ray Equities, a firm founded by his father 30 years ago, while in his undergraduate years.
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