Among Macquarie’s 180,000+ graduates worldwide there are a great many people making a positive impact on the world.

Last week the University recognised a special group of people who have made significant national or global contributions in their fields – as well as recognising some of our rising stars – at the 2018 Macquarie University Alumni Awards.

Eric Daro, Director of Individual Giving in the Office of Advancement – which manages alumni relations – says the awards allow the University to shine a light on the collective impact of our graduate community.

“Alumni are the lifeblood of any university, and Macquarie’s alumni define us as an institution,” Eric says. “It’s important to celebrate achievements of alumni – large and small – to encourage, support and celebrate the impact our Macquarie community has locally, nationally and internationally.”

Logie-winning comedian Adam Hills, whose impact on arts and culture was recognised at the awards, says Macquarie was an excellent place from which to head out into the world.

“The last time I drove past Macquarie, it made me think how far I’d come and how much of what I’d learned there was still with me,” Hills says. “It was a time to find out who I really was, and it gave me the confidence to try comedy.”

Many of the award winners point to the unique interdisciplinary education and perspective they gained at Macquarie as being an important factor in their success.

NSW Member of Parliament, the Hon. Rob Stokes, MP, was recognised for his contribution to the environment.

“As an early proponent of interdisciplinarity in education, Macquarie powerfully influenced my contribution at the intersection of law, education, environment and planning,” says Stokes, who is the State Member for Pittwater.

Biomolecular scientist and 2017 Australian of the Year Professor Alan Mackay-Sim was recognised for his ground-breaking work in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. He says he chose Macquarie because it was the only university that allowed to him to combine his diverse interests.

“I was interested in physiology, biology and psychology – what is known as neuroscience now – but back then, it wasn’t a subject as such,” recalls Professor Mackay-Sim. “It was a great decision because, although I moved away from psychology, it gave me really good training in experimental design and statistics.”

Bruce Gosper, the Australian High Commissioner to Singapore and former CEO of Austrade, says that while his work puts him in contact with some of the world’s most powerful people, there is something particularly special about meeting up with fellow Macquarie alumni.

“Macquarie’s alumni events bring together a great group of people, at different stages of their lives, but with a shared experience. The older, pioneer graduates and the new, younger graduates all have something to offer.”

Congratulations to our 2018 Alumni Award winners

Arts and Culture		Adam Hills Bachelor Arts 1991
Education		The Wiggles Dr Murray Cook AM Diploma of Teaching  1991, Doctor of Literature (HonorisCausa) 2009 Dr Anthony Field AM Diploma of Teaching  1991, Doctor of Literature (HonorisCausa) 2009 Dr Greg Page AM Diploma of Teaching  1993, Doctor of Literature (HonorisCausa) 2009
Environment		The Hon Dr Rob Stokes MP Bachelor of Arts 1995, Bachelor of Laws 1997, Master of Laws 1999, Doctor of Philosophy 2008
Innovation and Enterprise		Matt Barrie Master of Applied Finance 2011
Medicine and Health		Professor Alan Mackay-Sim Bachelor of Arts 1973, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 1974, Doctor of Philosophy 1980
Public and Community Service		Dr Andrew Scipione AM APM Master of Management 1998, Doctor of Literature (HonorisCausa) 2013
Rising Star (shared)		Jennifer Star Bachelor of Arts 2009, Bachelor of Arts (Honors) 2010 Shaun Star B Commerce / Bachelor of Laws 2011
International Achievement		Bruce Gosper Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 1980
Science and Technology		Dr Abigail Allwood Doctor of Philosophy 2007
Sport		Liz Ellis AO Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws 1997

 

If you’d like to nominate a Macquarie graduate for next year’s Alumni Awards, you can find information on how to nominate on the alumni website.