Over 80 years, the University of New England has produced more than 100,000 graduates, among them many who have made important contributions to their professions in Australia and overseas.
UNE's 2019 Alumni Awards recognise some of those outstanding graduates who are making a significant impact in their professions and communities.
The award-winners' careers span diplomacy, dermatology, music, rowing coaching, rural science, radio communications, astronomy, education, mineral exploration, the pork industry and ecology.
“Our 2019 award recipients have demonstrated their ongoing contribution to the wider community and their commitment to the values of the University of New England,” said UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Brigid Heywood.
“These awards show how the education that our students receive at UNE can help launch them to become international leaders in their fields.
“Our alumni are connected through their experience of studying with the University of New England and their ability to make a valuable contribution in their chosen fields, including significant roles as leaders, mentors and researchers.
”The selected winners have shown their willingness to take risks, both financial and personal, to work across cultures, provide inspirational leadership and work collaboratively to provide sustainable solutions on a local, and often international, level."
2019 Distinguished Alumni Award Winners
Ms Sarah Cook (Grad Dip Education 2016) - Kinross Wolaroi School, Rowing Coach and Educator. For volunteer work in the sport of rowing and achievements as an advocate and role model for sport and health, youth development and gender equality in sport
Ms Catherine Marriot (Bachelor Rural Science 2004) - CRC for Northern Australia. For work in creating strong, resilient and sustainable rural communities; for leadership and innovation in the cattle industry; for encouragement of women involved in pastoral and agricultural industries through mentoring and for developing an international rural women’s leadership and communication program.
Professor Richard Schilizzi (Bachelor of Science, 1967) - Emeritus Professor, Manchester University. For service to scientific astronomy research around the world and for leadership and exceptional vision in international research groups.
Professor Michelle Trudgett (Bachelor of Arts 2001; Doctor of Education 2009; Master of Professional Studies, 2003) - Pro Vice Chancellor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, Western Sydney University. For outstanding leadership and scholarship in the field of Indigenous Education, particularly for the contribution to the national Higher Education sector, and for influencing the manner in which the education sector supports Indigenous Australians to achieve excellence
Mr Keith Yates AM (Bachelor of Sciences Hon. 1960) - Member, Playford Memorial Trust. For services to the mineral exploration and mining sector, and for commitment and involvement in the UNE Alumni community.
2019 Alumni Achievement Award Winners
Mr Garry Clark (Bachelor of Music/Teaching 2010) - Self-Employed Professional Musician/Conductor. For highly respected work as a conductor, teacher, performer, administrator and mentor, for involvement in music programs for young people, and for involvement in community band programs.
Dr Liang Joo Leow (Bachelor of Arts, 2014) - Dermatologist, St Vincent's Health. For achievements in the field of dermatology and for services to ethnically diverse communities in Sydney as an interpreter and translator.
Mr Abinesh (Bobby) Narain (Grad Certificate in Management, 2016; MBA, 2018) - CEO & Director, Railway Radio Communications. For work in humanitarian aid work and leadership in Australia and Fiji.
Dr Victor Squires (Bachelor of Arts, 1967; Master of Arts, 1971; Bachelor of Letters, 1969) - Independent Consultant. For service to the study of ecology and science of rangelands and deserts and for significant achievements in contributing to an understanding of and addressing land degradation in Central and East Asia; for mentoring of young scientists.
Dr Robert Wilson AM (Bachelor of Science, 1971; Diploma of Science in Agriculture, 1972) – Consultant. For significant contribution to the Australian pork industry which has contributed to improved commercial and environmental outcomes, and for guiding the research careers of many young people.
2019 Young Distinguished Alumni Award Winner
Elizabeth Adler (Bachelor of Arts/Law, 2013) - Diplomat Australian Embassy Cambodia – For work in international development and in policy advice for higher education and gender equality in international countries; for efforts to enhance people-to-people links between Indonesia and Australia.
Extended profiles of the 2019 Alumni Award winners can be found here.
UNE's students have for 14 consecutive years awarded the University with the maximum five-star rating for Overall Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the Good Universities Guide. The well-rounded and unique education our alumni experience while studying at UNE ensures our graduates not only go on to be successful in their careers but remain active members of our local, national and global communities.
The UNE Distinguished Alumni Awards were introduced in 1994 to recognise the outstanding achievements of our alumni after they leave the University. Graduates can now be nominated for four categories.
