Andrew Duver - Bachelor of Economics graduate
To say that Andrew Duver immersed himself in university life at UNE is an understatement.
Andrew was a member of the UNE Economics and Business Society, an active sportsperson, and resident fellow while living at Drummond and Smith College from 2011-2013.
"College life was one of the highlights of my time at UNE," Andrew says.
"I participated in debating competitions, drama challenges and weekend sporting competitions, including the 111km Hawkesbury Canoe Classic, which raised money for medical research. I made lifelong friends, many of whom I’m still in contact with today.”
It's no surprise then that, upon graduation, Andrew earned the New England Award, which celebrates participation in extra-curricular activities, professional development and community service.
From UNE, Andrew completed further studies in Melbourne before being accepted into a coveted year-long graduate program with the Commonwealth Bank in regional Victoria.
He subsequently joined an agricultural investment company in Melbourne and since then has risen to the position of asset manager, were he works with a team of high-performing farm managers to achieve their business objectives, bridging the divide between investor requirements and the practical realities of agriculture.
Andrew's commitment to Australian agriculture extends beyond his day-to-day employment. This year he was one of just 10 people appointed to the AgriFutures Australia Ignite advisory panel, where he's playing a role in shaping the future of Australian rural industries, and he has explored industry issues with Dairy Australia to.
Beyond his professional work, Andrew enjoys keeping active by training for half-marathons and raising money in fun runs.
"Studying at UNE, in a regional community, allowed me to focus on areas of research applicable to my career in regional business and investment," says Andrew, now 26 and a winner of the 2018 Young Distinguished Alumni Award.
"But UNE gave me much more than a degree."
