Outstanding individuals recognised at annual Alumni awards
An internationally renowned soprano, Indigenous health pioneer, and an award-winning screenwriter were among those recognised at last night’s annual celebration of the University of Newcastle Alumni Excellence Awards.
Since 1975, the University of Newcastle has recognised over 200 alumni for their innovation, creativity, and exceptional leadership. This year’s nine recipients were chosen for their remarkable achievements and outstanding community contributions across various backgrounds and disciplines.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky, AO said it was an honour to be able to welcome this outstanding group of alumni back to Newcastle and celebrate the impact they are having in communities at a local, national and international level.
“We have 1760,000 plus alumni spanning 154 countries across the globe, and these awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the amazing work our alumni are doing in their respective fields,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“With physicists, health advocates, business leaders and creatives, these awards demonstrate that success with a University of Newcastle degree is possible across a diverse range of areas.”
Recipient of the Young Alumni Award, Emma Jane Myers, is a Disability Rights and Political Reporter. Originally told that she wouldn’t complete her HSC or get an ATAR, Emma was determined to continue her education journey despite her disability, going on to complete Open Foundation and then a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) at the University of Newcastle.
Emma co-created and wrote Latecomers, the critically acclaimed 2022 SBS Digital Originals series, whilst also studying her honours year, drawing on her own experiences of living with cerebral palsy.
“I've always known that the media is an incredibly powerful tool in the way that it can shape the lives of everyday individuals. And that's a huge driver for me to continue to promote and inspire change towards the treatment of disabled individuals,” Emma said.
The Alumni Excellence Awards 2024 were held on 12 September at the University of Newcastle’s Great Hall. More information on all the recipients of the 2024 Alumni Excellence Awards is now available on the University website.
Full list of award winners:
Award Category | Name | Current Position | Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
The Alumni Medal | The Hon Kevin Lindgren AM KC FAAL | Judge, Arbitrator and Mediator | Honorary Doctor of Law 1997 Doctor of Philosophy 1973 Master of Arts 1968 |
Newton-John Alumni Medal | Miriam Allan | Soprano and Educator | Master of Creative Arts 2004 Bachelor of Music (Honours) 2000 Bachelor of Music 1999 |
Convocation Medal for Exceptional Contribution | Emeritus Professor John O’Connor | Physicist, Research and Science Communicator | N/A |
International Leadership Award | Dr Geordan Shannon | CEO, Founder and Global Health Advocate | Bachelor of Medicine 2008 |
National Leadership Award | Swati Dave | International Finance and Business Leader | Bachelor of Commerce 1985 |
Indigenous Alumni Award | Dr Sarah Goddard | Rural Health Champion | Bachelor of Medicine 2015 Yapug Certificate 2007 |
Beryl Nasher Young Researcher Award | Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin | Chief Investigator, Community Pharmacist and Lecturer | Master of Pharmacy 2013 Bachelor of Biomedical Science 2011 |
Young Alumni Award | Emma Jane Myers | Screenwriter, Actor and Journalist | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 2022 Bachelor of Arts 2020 Open Foundation Certificate Program 2017 |
Alumni Award for Outstanding Volunteerism | Brendan Swift | Lawyer, Director and Volunteer | Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies) 1989 |
Contact
- Kali Somerville
- Phone: 02 4055 0295
- Email: kali.somerville@newcastle.edu.au
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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.