Recognising university’s extraordinary talent

A PARALYMPIC gold medallist, an award-winning author, and a mechanical engineer building rockets for Australia’s space industry are among the past recipients of the Southern Cross University Alumni Impact Awards.

If you are an alumnus of the university, you can add your name to the impressive list of winners, with the awards now open.

Professor Tyrone Carlin, Vice-Chancellor and President of Southern Cross University, said these awards celebrate past students who have shown excellence, innovation, leadership, and social impact in their diverse fields and their transformative impact on industry and community.

“Last year, we celebrated a remarkable group of alumni,” Professor Carlin said.

“I invite you to nominate an alumnus, either by nominating yourself or a member of the alumni community.”

Award categories include Alumnus of the Year, Young Alumnus of the Year, Early Career Alumnus of the Year, International Alumnus of the Year, and Community Impact Award.

The selection committee may also recognise an Alumnus of the Decade to honour a past award recipient for continual excellence and significant contribution in a chosen field, leadership, and outstanding service to the community or profession.

In 2023, Ben Newton OAM was the university’s Alumnus of the Year.

Ben graduated from Southern Cross in 2010 with a Bachelor of Psychological Science with Honours.

He won a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Paralympics and received an Order of Australia Medal in 2014.

Mr Newton is the Queensland Paralympics High Performance and Development Coach for Wheelchair Rugby.

Two recipients received the Young Alumni of the Year Award – Miranda Luby and Dr Cooper Schouten.

Ms Luby is an author, journalist, and copywriter, recognised for work that showcased her passion for mental health and conservation issues.

Dr Schouten oversees several programs promoting education, research, and capacity-building within beekeeping industries in Pacific Island partner countries and Australia. He also teaches in the Regenerative Agriculture program at the university.

The 2023 International Alumni of the Year, Dr Sara Ashaani, is an esteemed researcher in climate-induced learning and prediction, who aims to contribute to sustainable solutions and support vulnerable communities.

The 2023 Early Career Alumnus of the Year, Mitch Lavelle, is a mechanical engineer at Gilmour Space Technologies, the leading provider of Australian-made launch vehicles and satellite platforms.

The company is on track to launch its Eris rockets and G-class satellite platforms into Low Earth Orbits soon.

Evangeline Wood is the 2023 Community Impact Alumni of the Year

Ms Wood completed a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and is also a volunteer firefighter and Founder and President of Coolamon Community, a group dedicated to connecting Aboriginal mothers with culturally safe healthcare.​

For more, head to www.scu.edu.au/engage/alumni/alumni-impact-awards/ to nominate Award nominations close on August 12.