Alumnus of the year nominees

Each year Southern Cross University recognises past students for their contribution to their profession and community through awards in categories such as Alumnus of the Year, International Alumnus of the Year and Young Alumnus of the Year.

The School of Tourism and Hospitality Management has been proud to nominate the following students.

2011 Young Alumnus of the Year nominee and SCU Winner: TANYA CAMPLIN

Tanya graduated with a Bachelor of Business in Tourism in 2001. From 2003 to 2009 Tanya served as a Councillor on the Wangaratta City Council and was Acting Mayor on three occasions. During this time Tanya was involved on many committees and contributed to a number of achievements by the Council. She also participated in two leadership programs and has been recognised by her local community for her contribution. Tanya worked as Community Relations Manager with Northeast Health Wangaratta for 7 years and was responsible for coordinating volunteers and raising funds for the hospital which involved considerable community involvement.

2011 Alumnus of the Year nominee and STHM winner: MARTIN WINTER

Martin graduated with a Masters of International Tourism Management in 1998 and is currently CEO of Gold Coast Tourism. Martin also sits on the board of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and is Chairman of the Asia Pacific chapter, which represents the interests of countries in the APEC region. He is also a board member of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council. Martin has a strong history of involvement in tourism and education throughout Australia and overseas. He led a team to establish the first international hotel school in Brazil, in a joint venture with the national university. This was a ground breaking public-private initiative that provided internationally recognised qualifications and has been emulated in many other countries since.

2010 Young Alumnus of the Year nominee: RACHEL BERNAUER

Rachel graduated with a Bachelor of Business in 2000 before starting work with Tourism Australia and has been a key staff member for their student volunteer program since 2003. During this time Rachel has demonstrated her leadership qualities by mentoring more than 15 students and nurturing and supporting the development of new talent. In June 2004 she was presented with a Tourism Australia - Living the Brand Award by the Managing Director. Rachel was nominated for this award by her work colleagues as recognition of her dedication, commitment and valuable contribution to tourism.

2010 Alumnus of the Year nominee and STHM winner: ANNA GUILLAN

Anna is the Co-Founder of the NELUNE Foundation, a government registered charitable fund raising organisation. The mission of the NELUNE Foundation is to help patients fight cancer with dignity. The NELUNE Foundation's aim is to provide psychological and practical support for public hospital and underprivileged cancer patients in the community.

Anna graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Hotel and Tourism Management in 2009. She is committed to providing positive work opportunities for graduates, ensuring that they start their career in a respectful, learning environment. From 1999 to 2008, Anna provided opportunities for about a dozen interns within the Hayman sales and marketing department. She also participated frequently in industry mentoring programs including the Young Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) Mentoring Program and was a guest lecturer in marketing at Southern Cross University.

2009 Alumnus of the Year nominee and STHM and SCU Winner: LISA MESSGENGER

Lisa graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Business in Tourism Management and has gone on to establish her own publishing company, and is currently Managing Director of Messenger Marketing, Messenger Publishing, Messenger Magazines and Messenger Print Brokerage. She has also worked globally in events, sponsorship, marketing, PR and publishing. This success led to her being named a finalist in the both the 2005 and 2006 Telstra Business Woman of the Year Awards as well as being named finalist for the Champion of Champions Award and the My Business Awards for Fastest Growing Business in both 2007 and 2008. In 2008 Lisa was named Entrepreneur of the Year by think tank movement Thought Leaders. She has recently been inducted into the Who's Who of Australian Women.

2009 Young Alumnus of the Year nominee: TEAGAN SMITH

Teagan graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Business in Tourism Management and is now employed as a Senior Aboriginal Enterprise Development Officer for Orana Business Advisory Service, which covers the Central West, Murrumbidgee and Murray areas. Prior to this Teagan was an Aboriginal tutor/mentor at Canobolas High School where she made significant contributions in the area of indigenous student attendance, uniform, commitment to studies, behaviour and academic achievement. Teagan now continues this role as a tutor and mentor with the hospitality students at the local TAFE free of charge. Teagan is also an active member of the Rotaract Club of Dubbo and continues her community service in with this and other charitable and community based organisations.

2008 Alumnus of the Year nominee: NADINE SMITH

During her undergraduate tourism degree, Nadine completed her semester-long internship with the Richmond Valley Council in 2003. Due to her success with this position, and the leadership potential shown, she went on to secure a position at RVC as Acting Coordinator of the Casino Visitors Centre. In 2005 she received the Rod Murdoch Memorial Award for individual achievement for her outstanding contribution to tourism in the area of product development and research. Nadine completed her Honours, titled 'Business collaboration in the context of drive tourism: A study of the Rainforest Way touring route' with SCU, which has been used in the establishment of the Rainforest Way tour drive. Nadine has led the establishment of the Creative People's Collective in Lismore, a non-profit organisation that provides various programs and involvement in the community for young people, with the key aim of creating opportunities for young people to participate in and have a voice through the Arts

2008 International Alumnus of the Year nominee: AMBUAY-NGERNTA SOMPONG

Sompong completed his Masters in International Tourism Management in 1998 and has since worked extensively in establishing and promoting postgraduate tourism education and development in Thailand. As a result he has been an external member of the Curriculum Development Committees for the Bachelor in International Hospitality program at Payub University in 2002; the new Bachelor in Ecotourism at Baan Somdej University in 2005; the new Masters in Tourism at Sripathum University in 2006; and at Bachelor in Tourism degree at Ubon Ratchathanee University in 2007. Sompong initiated the Masters of Management Program in Tourism and Hospitality Management at Mahidol University International College (MUIC). More recently he was appointed to the position of Chair of the Tourism Industry Management (TIM) Division.

Find out more about SCU Alumni.

Updated: 06 December 2011