The UNE Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to a UNE graduate who:

• Over the course of their career has made significant contributions to their field;
• Displays outstanding leadership and professional qualities while embodying UNE’s values;
• Embodies characteristics of honesty, ethical behaviour and authenticity;
• Will inspire future generations of UNE graduates with their achievements.

Selection criteria questions :

Question 1: Describe how the nominee has made significant contributions to their field over the course of their career, demonstrating ways they have gone above and beyond their normal professional duties. In your response, highlight specific achievements that showcase their outstanding leadership and professional qualities, and provide examples of their honesty, ethical behaviour, and authenticity in action (500 words or less).

Question 2: Explain how the nominee embodies UNE's values of being bold, kind, accountable, and connected. Additionally, discuss how their accomplishments and character will inspire current and future generations of UNE graduates (500 words or less).

The UNE Alumni Community Award is presented to a UNE graduate who:

• Through paid or unpaid work has made significant contributions in the community sector, philanthropic or public life or to support not-for-profit organisations in Australia and/or internationally;
• Embodies UNE’s values through their commitment to building meaningful relationships and supporting individuals and communities to thrive;
• Will inspire future generations of UNE graduates with their achievements.

Selection criteria questions:

Question 1: Describe how the nominee has made significant contributions to the community sector, philanthropic efforts, or public life, either through paid or unpaid work, and provide specific examples of their impact on individuals or communities in Australia and/or internationally (500 words or less).

Question 2: Explain how the nominee embodies UNE's values of being bold, kind, accountable, and connected through their work, detailing the meaningful relationships they have built and the ways in which they have supported individuals and communities to thrive. Additionally, describe how their achievements will inspire future generations of UNE graduates (500 words or less).

The UNE Rising Star Alumni Award is presented to a UNE graduate who:

• Is in the early stages of their career (15 years or less since graduation);
• Displays outstanding leadership and professional qualities while embodying UNE’s values;
• Embodies characteristics of honesty, ethical behaviour and authenticity;
• Will inspire future generations of UNE graduates with their achievements.

Selection criteria:

Question 1: How has the nominee demonstrated outstanding leadership and professional qualities in their early career, specifically in ways that embody UNE's values of being bold, kind, accountable, and connected? Please provide specific examples of their contributions and impact within their field or community (500 words or less).

Question 2:  In what ways has the nominee exemplified characteristics of honesty, ethical behaviour, and authenticity since their graduation, and how do these traits contribute to their potential to inspire future generations of UNE graduates? Please include any relevant achievements or recognitions that highlight their commitment to these values (500 words or less).

1. A UNE graduate cannot win more than one award category in any calendar year and cannot win the same award category more than once.
2. Awards will not be awarded posthumously.
3. Joint nominations will be accepted for the Alumni Community Award.
4. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
5. Nominations will only be accepted from members of UNE Convocation including graduates, current or former UNE Council members, staff and former staff of the University of New England.
6. Current members of UNE Council or UNE Foundation Board of Directors are not eligible to be nominated in any award category.
7. Current UNE students are not eligible to be nominated in any award category.
8. Nominations must be accompanied by two written references. Referees must supply their contact details with their reference and may be contacted to verify their reference.
9. The selection panel’s decision is final on all matters relating to the nomination process and the selection of award recipients and no correspondence will be entered into.
10. The selection panel reserves the right to select nominations to remain valid for up to two years. Nominators will be responsible for updating additional information.
11. The selection panel reserves the right not to allocate an award in one of the categories if, in their opinion, there are no entries of sufficient merit. The number of awards allocated in each category will be at the discretion of the selection panel.
12. The University reserves the right to disclose the identity of the nominator to the nominee.
13. Personal information submitted to the University by the nominator or nominee, in connection with the awards, will be given to the selection panel for the purpose of judging the awards and will be stored in the University’s alumni database. The Alumni Relations office maintains confidentiality with all submissions and only notifies the award recipients, their nominators, and the nominators of all other candidates. Nominators should use their discretion as to the whether to notify their nominees during the process.
14. The nominator’s and/or winning nominee’s name, image and statement may be published and/or used in any form of media, in any context pertaining to the awards. For more information and a complete list of past alumni award recipients, visit: https://www.une.edu.au/alumni/alumni-awards/alumni-award-recipients
15. Nominations are to be forwarded via email or mail to arrive by 5pm 31 July.

For more information, please see our FAQs or contact Alumni Relations via alumni@une.edu.au.

To ensure your nomination stands out and effectively highlights the achievements of the nominee, consider the following tips:

1. Understand the Award Criteria

• Carefully review the eligibility and selection criteria for the specific award category.
• Align the nominee’s achievements with UNE’s values: Be Bold, Be Kind, Be Accountable and Be Connected.

2. Provide a Compelling Narrative

• Tell a clear and engaging story about the nominee’s accomplishments.
• Explain the impact they have had on their industry, community, or society.
• Use specific examples that demonstrate their leadership, innovation, or dedication.

3. Use Quantifiable Evidence

• Where possible, include measurable achievements (e.g., "Increased community engagement by 50%", "Led a team that developed a ground-breaking medical innovation").
• Highlight awards, recognitions, or published works that validate their contributions.

4. Gather Strong Supporting Documents

• Provide letters of support from colleagues, mentees, or industry professionals who can vouch for the nominee’s impact.
• Include relevant media articles, publications, or testimonials to strengthen the case.

5. Be Clear and Concise

• Avoid overly technical language; write in a way that is accessible to the selection panel.
• Keep responses within word limits and ensure all required sections are completed.

6. Ensure Accuracy

• Double-check dates, names, and details before submission.
• Proofread for grammar and clarity to maintain a professional submission.

7. Submit Before the Deadline

• The nomination period is open from 1 April – 31 July.
• Don’t wait until the last minute—allow time for revisions and gathering supporting documents.

For any questions, contact the UNE Alumni Office at alumni@une.edu.au.

Download the Alumni Awards Information Pack