Alumni Awards

Alumni Awards

EXCELLENCE UNLIMITED

Showcasing Western's biggest success stories: our graduates.

At Western we recognise that our alumni are a vital part of our story. As we look to the future, we aim to continue to build upon a dynamic and innovative culture that secures success with regional, national and international impact.

The Alumni Awards acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements of graduates of Western Sydney University and its antecedent institutions.

2022 Alumni Award Winners

Award Categories

There are seven award categories in total, six of which are open for nomination.

This award recognises the significant contributions made by alumni in their local communities and beyond. This is the highest honour the Alumni Awards can bestow. 

This award is not open for application but will be decided at the discretion of the awards judging panel when considering nominations for all other award categories. Candidates chosen for this award will meet the following criteria:

  • The nominee is a graduate of Western Sydney University or its antecedent institutions
  • The nominee has made a sustained and significant contribution in one or more of the following areas: professional achievement, art and cultural achievement or leadership, sporting achievement, research and/or community leadership 
  • The nominee has made a significant contribution to enrich and benefit society’s development, prosperity and social capital through their community, above and beyond their role in their chosen field of employment 
  • The nominee brings credit to Western Sydney University through prominence in their field or profession nationally or internationally 
  • The nominee has achieved sustained success over their career that is noteworthy and exceptional 
  • The nominee demonstrates leadership qualities in a variety of contexts that could include volunteering, community, research or professional work.

 

This award is designed to recognise outstanding leaders within their industry, profession or field of research who have achieved sustained success throughout their career that is noteworthy and exceptional.

Nominations must meet all of the following selection criteria:

  • The nominee is a graduate of Western Sydney University or its antecedent institutions.
  • The nominee has contributed significantly to the growth, reach or impact of their industry, profession, or field of research.
  • The nominee works to promote and facilitate innovation, demonstrates dedication to industry, and the tenacity to persevere through challenges.
  • The nominee has made a significant positive impact to the social, economic, political and environmental challenges facing communities – locally, nationally and/or internationally.

In addition to the above, nominations must meet one or more of the following selection criteria:

  • The nominee has demonstrated outstanding personal achievement to effect a major turnaround or improvement in the performance of their organisation or the contribution of their profession, and/or
  • The nominee has made outstanding achievements in the field of arts, contributing to the understanding and significance of culture in Western Sydney and beyond, and/or
  • The nominee demonstrates excellence in research, contributing to new and influential knowledge with outcomes of great benefit, advancement and impact.

This award recognises the achievements of alumni who have performed exceptionally well in their first ten years following graduation.

Nominations must meet all of the following selection criteria:

  • The nominee is a graduate of Western Sydney University or its antecedent institutions.
  • The nominee graduated within 10 years, from the date of nomination (2012).
  • The nominee’s accomplishments raise their profile and standing within their community and/or bring greater recognition to their profession.
  • The nominee demonstrates leadership qualities in a variety of contexts that could include volunteering, community or professional work.
  • The nominee’s work and/or contribution in their community is likely to be an inspiration to the next generation of graduates and the community at large.

This award recognises and honours international alumni who have excelled in their chosen field and whose accomplishments enhance the prestige of Western Sydney University.

Nominations must meet all of the following selection criteria:

  • The nominee is a graduate of Western Sydney University, its antecedent institutions, or an approved offshore partner institution.
  • The nominee is living and working in a country other than Australia and is making a significant contribution to international society through community service and/or professional achievements.
  • The nominee’s accomplishments raise their profile and standing within an international community and/or bring greater recognition to their profession.
  • The nominee demonstrates leadership qualities in a variety of contexts that could include volunteering, community or professional work.
  • The nominee demonstrates the ability to influence decisions within a variety of contexts, for example, within government, industry or through advocacy efforts.

This award recognises Indigenous alumni who have excelled in their profession or made an outstanding contribution to Indigenous Australian communities within Greater Western Sydney and/or beyond.

Nominations must meet all of the following selection criteria:

  • The Nominee is a graduate of Western Sydney University or its antecedent institutions.
  • The nominee has made an outstanding contribution to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities in Greater Western Sydney and/or beyond, and through their professional or voluntary work has demonstrated how their contribution has benefited Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples and their communities.
  • Proof of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Status (ATSI) must be supplied by the nominee at the time of nomination submission. The following documentation may be provided:
    (i) A letter from a registered Indigenous Community Organisation with a common seal confirming a person to be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; or
    (ii) A statutory declaration signed by the applicant plus a supporting documentation in the form of a genealogy document (such as Linkup NSW), or a letter of support using template, or an official letterhead by a recognised Indigenous community member or Indigenous organisation. 

This award recognises alumni who have demonstrated excellence in the fields of research, innovation, creative thinking and technology and highlights the impact of their work.

Nominations must meet all of the following selection criteria:

  • The nominee is a graduate of Western Sydney University or its antecedent institutions.
  • The nominee’s accomplishments raise their profile and standing within their community and/or bring greater recognition to their profession.
  • The nominee demonstrates excellence in the field of research and innovation.
  • The nominee is a visionary and has demonstrated creative thinking, hard work and courage in exploring new areas in their respective field of work.
  • The nominee’s work and/or contribution in their community is likely to be an inspiration to the next generation of graduates and the community at large.

This award recognises Hawkesbury alumni who have excelled in their professional career, community life, international affairs or business.

Nominations must meet all of the following selection criteria:

  • The nominee is a graduate of Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Hawkesbury College of Advanced Education, or from one of the academic units of the Hawkesbury campus of Western Sydney.
  • The nominee’s work, whether professional or voluntary, demonstrates a significant positive impact on their profession and/or community - locally, nationally and/or internationally.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you may nominate yourself, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for the award you plan to enter.

There is no limit to the number of people you can nominate, as long as they are graduates of Western Sydney University and its antecedent institutions, and meet the criteria of the award, however, you can only nominate each alumni once per category. Repeated nominations won't affect entry or judging results.

As the nominator, you may be listed as one of the two referees required per nomination. However, when self-nominating, both referees should be other people who know you as the nominee and you cannot be your own referee. The referees must be contactable during the judging period and are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding the nomination. 

Nominators are to ensure that the nominees are aware of the Conditions of Entry for the Alumni Awards and obtain from the nominee all necessary authorisations, consent, documents and undertakings to meet the Conditions of Entry as required by the University.

After nominations have closed, the judging panel will then convene to shortlist nominees for each category. Up to three Finalists will be selected for each Award. Winners and their nominators, and all other nominators will be notified of the outcome.

Award recipients will be announced by email, on social media, on the alumni website and in person during prestigious alumni events. Winner stories and photos will be published online.

Previous award winners are not eligible for renomination in the same award category. Unsuccessful nominees and finalists may re-nominate in subsequent years.

Previous winners

  • Professor Syed Ziaur Rahman - International Alumni Leadership
    Doctor of Philosophy – (Medicine), 2015

  • Mr David Goodfellow - Hawkesbury Alumni
    Master of Applied Science (Agriculture and Rural Development), 1995
    Bachelor of Applied Science (Systems Agriculture), 1991
  • Mr Shane Kennelly - Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Community Impact Award
    Master of Business Administration, 2008
    Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine), 2015

     

  • Mr Ahmad Al Rady - Young Alumni
    Bachelor of Health Science (Honours)/ Master of Podiatric Medicine, 2017
    Bachelor of Medical Science, 2012
  • Mrs Faten El Dana OAM - Community Champion
    Master of Arts (TESOL), 2008
  • Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward - Professional Excellence
    Master of Management, 2000
    Diploma of Health Science (Nursing), 1991

  • Professor Iona Novak - Chancellor's Alumni of the Year
    Doctor of Philosophy, 2009
    Master of Science (Honours), 2005
  • Matthew Batten, Business and Professional Leadership Alumni Award
    Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts), 1993
  • Luke Martin, Young Alumni Award
    Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication), 2007
  • Dr Sameer Dixit, International Alumni of the Year Award
    Doctor of Philosophy, 2005
  • Dr Trung Qui Ly, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alumni Award
    Bachelor of Hospitality, 1994
  • Dr Anita Heiss, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Impact Alumni Award
    Doctor of Philosophy (Communication and Media), 2001
  • Ruth Morrison, Community Champion Alumni Award
    Master of Education, 1991
  • Ms Carmel Hourigan, Hawkesbury Alumni Award
    Bachelor of Business (Land Economy), 1992
  • Sarah-Grace Williams, The Chancellor's Leadership Alumni Award
    Bachelor of Arts (Music), 1998
    Bachelor of Arts (Honours), 2000
  • Chancellor's Alumni Leadership Award, Dr Genevieve Nelson
    Doctor of Philosophy, 2008
  • Young Alumni Award, Mr Peter Hope
    Bachelor of Arts (Music), 2003
  • International Alumni of the Year, Dr Kamaludeen Nasir
    Doctor of Philosophy, 2011
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award, Mr David Southon
    Bachelor of Business (Land Economy), 1987
  • Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Community Impact Award, Mr Jarred Hodges
    Master of Teaching (Secondary Education), 2004
  • Community Champion Alumni Award, Ms Betty Green
    Bachelor of Adult Education (Honours), 2009
  • Hawkesbury Alumni Award, Professor John Longworth
    Diploma in Agriculture, 1960
  • Former Staff Excellence Award, Dr Rae Luckie
    Doctor of Philosophy (Communication and Media), 2006