UQ celebrates outstanding alumni achievers

Business and philanthropic leaders, an engineer who inspired a worldwide movement, a medical expert striving to reduce melanoma, and even a Grammy award winner are among 15 alumni celebrated at The University of Queensland’s 2013 Courting the Greats awards ceremony on Thursday night.

Selected for their performances in professional leadership, community service and academic excellence, this year’s award recipients represent disciplines including the arts, science and medicine, commerce, philanthropy, engineering, social justice and academia.

The alumni awards began in 1992, but were updated and expanded this year to reflect the diverse range of alumni achievements and the positive impact UQ graduates make in Australia and internationally.

The 2013 Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Awards were made to cancer researcher Professor Adéle Green AC; banking, engineering and logistics leader Ms Kathy Fagg; and Wotif.com co-founders and philanthropists Mr Graeme Wood AM and Mr Robert Andrew Creeth Brice AM.

The 10 recipients selected by UQ were nominated and endorsed by their peers, and selected by a committee headed by UQ President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Høj.

“These awards showcase and celebrate the impact of our alumni around the world,” Professor Høj said.

“We had a strong pool of nominees from our community of 205,000 alumni, so to narrow it down to just 10 was difficult.

“Reading all the nominations did provide a welcome opportunity to explore the varied achievements of our alumni and to learn more about them.”

The Alumni Friends of The University of Queensland Inc also presented awards to five recipients.

The winners of the 2013 Alumni awards are:

The 2013 Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Awards
Recognising the significant contributions made by alumni in their local communities and beyond. Professor Adéle Green AC - 25 years of national and international cancer research Ms Kathy Fagg - Senior leadership in banking, engineering and logistics Mr Robert Andrew Creeth Brice AM - Co-founder of Wotif.com and philanthropist Mr Graeme Wood AM - Co-founder of Wotif.com and philanthropist

Distinguished Young Alumni Awards
Recognising young alumni (35 years or younger) whose early accomplishments inspire and provide leadership to students and all alumni. Dr Chelsea Bond - Improving Indigenous health in urban and rural communities Ms Lizzie Brown - CEO of Engineers Without Borders Ms Julie McKay - Executive Director of United Nations Women Australia Mr Tim Munro - Two time Grammy Award winner

Indigenous Community Impact Award
Recognising an alumnus whose outstanding contribution to Australian Indigenous communities has improved outcomes for Australian Indigenous people and contributes to the reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Mr Kev Carmody - Aboriginal singer-songwriter

International Alumnus of the Year
Recognising and honouring the outstanding achievements of an international alumnus who has realised distinction in their chosen field and whose accomplishments enhance the prestige of the University. Dr Ana Charles - Provincial Coordinator of the Ariel Foundation in Mozambique, working to prevent paediatric HIV and AIDS.

Alumni Friends of the University of Queensland Inc. Awards

Alumnus of the Year
Recognises a graduate whose distinguished achievements have brought national and/or international recognition to UQ. Dr Chris Anderson - Anthropologist, business leader, linguist, museum director, and Indigenous community and environmental advocate.

Graduates of the Year
Each Graduate of the Year graduated with First Class Honours and the University Medal. Mr James Bennett - Bachelor of Science (Physics) ‘12 Ms Talia Pettigrew - Bachelor of Arts ’11 / Bachelor of Science (Hons) ‘12 Mr Patrick Doolan - Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) ‘12 Mr Scott Fisher - Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical and Aerospace) ‘12

Further information:
Mark Schroder – Manager, Marketing and Communications (Advancement) – 0403 481 758 or m.schroder@uq.edu.au