University of Newcastle Alumni achieving on a global scale

A ‘Corona Warrior’ helping patients in India, a leading Australian film director, one of Australia’s first Aboriginal doctors and a lawyer encouraging local women to join the Bar are just some of the University of Newcastle’s high achieving alumni who were recognised at last night’s Alumni Excellence Awards.

The awards saw 11 University of Newcastle alumni celebrated, with awards for categories recognising Regional Leadership, Indigenous Alumni and Young Alumni.

Vice Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said the Alumni Excellence Awards recognised the qualities that have seen these alumni succeed after graduating.

“Students from the University of Newcastle are achieving great things from a local and an international perspective and continuing to recognise and celebrate the achievements of students even after they graduate is important.

“We have seen some outstanding alumni who have made a really positive difference to the world, including Dr Nashwa Najib who studied a Master of Philosophy (Medicine) at the University was recognised with the Young Alumni Award for showing tremendous tenacity, compassion and determination working in India as a Doctor.

“At the height of COVID, Nashwa would consult almost 300 patients during a six-hour shift and when the hospital ran out of ICU beds, she made the decision to assess patients in vehicles or ambulances upon arrival.

“Nashwa’s unwavering dedication to her patients, secured her the honorary title of ‘Corona Warrior’ for her medical services to the hospital during the pandemic.

“We have a network of more than 161,000 graduates across 152 countries. I hope the achievements of our graduates are an inspiration for both our current students and people who are about to complete their HSC and might be wondering what the future holds for them. Our message to these students is – there’s a place for you at our university and it can be an incredible springboard for your career.

“The achievements of our Alumni are a great reminder of what can be achieved after studying at our University.”

Dr Amandeep Hansra, who received the National Leadership Award and studied a Bachelor of Medicine credits her experience at the University of Newcastle for helping her to become a leader within her field.

“The University motivated me to want to do something great. Not to just accept the status quo, but to really change the whole system,” said Amandeep.

It is Amandeep’s entrepreneurship and leadership that led her to instrumental roles in telehealth services such as Medibank’s Nurse Triage and GP After Hours, as well as Telstra’s Readycare, for which she served as the CEO and Medical Director.

Local Solicitor, and Bachelor of Law alumni Elizabeth McLaughlin was also awarded the Regional Leadership Award. Lizzie has spent her career committed to making positive and constructive contributions to her community.

Lizzie worked as Associate to a Judge of the High Court of Australia. As a mentor of Newcastle Law students, she also established the 'Making the Leap' program that encourages young women in Newcastle to join the Bar.

Professor David Newman was honoured with the prestigious Alumni Medal for Professional Excellence for his work as a world authority on the effects of G forces on pilots.

Former Merewether local, Mike Exton who now heads up a $4 billion global cardiovascular business was also recognised with the International Leadership Award.

The Alumni Excellence Awards were held at the University of Newcastle on Thursday 8^th September. More information and information on winners is available on the website: www.newcastle.edu.au/alumniawards

Full list of award winners:

*The Convocation Medal for Exceptional Contribution recognises members of convocation or the wider community who have contributed to the University of Newcastle as an influencer, advocate, advisor, or supporter.

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