Alumni Impact Awards

Could you or a fellow graduate be an award recipient in 2022?

The Alumni Impact Awards recognise and celebrate our extraordinary graduates and their impact on industry and community, from those who are established in their careers to those who are just getting started.

Last year, we celebrated a diverse cohort of Southern Cross University graduates who are leaders and innovators, from setting world records and climate activism, to public service, environmental rehabilitation, international development and youth mental health. In the Awards’ 28-year history, the University has recognised hundreds of alumni for their professional and personal dedication to making a profound impact in our society worldwide.

Nominations are open until Monday 12 September 2022, 11:59pm.

Nominate now

Congratulations to our 2021 Impact Award recipients. These alumni are leaders and innovators across a diverse range of disciplines.

From world records and climate activism, to public service, environmental rehabilitation and youth mental health.

[2021 Alumnus of the Year - Lisa Blair]
So behind me is actually the community's voice. The goal is to inspire individuals that we have the power to create change. It just starts with one small action.

[2021 Young Alumnus of the Year - Nic Brown]
About 30 per cent of young people that need to access support when it comes to mental health are actually reaching out and getting that support because the way that we speak about mental health needs to change. What I want to do with my life, and my time is to have as much impact as I possibly can.

[2021 Early Career Alumnus of the Year - Dr Cooper Schouten]
Something that really drives me in my work, something I'm really passionate about, is when I turn up some of these communities, and you can see the tangible changes in front of your eyes, so it's amazing you come back after a year later, and they've multiplied all their colonies they're selling honey their kids are going to school, and it just puts a smile on everyone's faces

[2021 International Alumnus of the Year - Neelkamal Darbari]
To me, each day is important you want to make that difference which will have an impact on the lives of the farmers we look at how best agriculture credit can flow to them at the same time link them up with markets.

[Community Impact Award - Hank and Sue Bower]
Then ecological renaissance essentially it's providing environmental flagship to how an environment can be managed and protected.

Award Categories

Alumnus of the Year

Recognising a graduate’s excellence in their chosen field of endeavour, leadership and outstanding service to the community or profession.

Young Alumnus of the Year

For a graduate 35 years and under who has demonstrated excellence in their chosen field of endeavour, emerging leadership and outstanding service to the community or profession.

Early Career Alumnus of the Year

For a graduate who completed their degree five years ago or less and who has demonstrated significant achievement in their chosen field of endeavour and outstanding service to the community or profession.

International Alumnus of the Year

Recognising an international graduate for significant professional achievement and leadership and outstanding service to the community or profession.

Community Impact Award

Recognising a graduate’s significant contribution to addressing critical issues in communities through collaboration and enhancing community capacity.

Frequently asked questions

All nominations must be submitted via the application form and must:

  • Include a 500–1000 word statement for each nomination that describes the nominee’s activity, outcomes and impact in relation to the category criteria 
  • Include details that highlight how the alumni have demonstrated outstanding achievement
  • Include copies of supporting materials including media coverage, articles and photographs
  • Consider the University values: Collegiality (openness, respect, collaboration, trust) and Integrity (honesty, ethical behaviour, drive, accountability)
  • Consider the University vision: Southern Cross University will be recognised for enriching our communities through the excellence of our scholarship and the achievements of our graduates.
  • Consider the University mission: We equip our students to live a life they value and to be effective global citizens. We do this by creating inspirational and engaged learning experiences. We create and apply knowledge in partnership with our communities in fields that are regionally relevant and globally significant.
  • Respond directly to each of the three category criteria and provide evidence (refer to FAQ below)

Anyone can nominate an alumnus for an award, alumni can also nominate peers or self-nominate.

Eligible Alumni:

  • Must have graduated from Southern Cross University or its predecessor or partner institutions; and
  • Be 35 years old or under (for Young Alumnus of the Year)
  • Have graduated within the past 5 years (for Early Career Alumnus of the Year)
  • Studied as an international student or at an international partner institution (for International Alumnus of the Year).

Yes! You can nominate once more than one category (if self-nominating) or more than one alumni (if nominating others), so long as each nomination meets the specific criteria for each category.

A broad range of evidence of multiple types and sources are to be utilised to comprehensively demonstrate the impact of the work undertaken. Sources of evidence may include:

  • Documented changes or impacts created as a result of the activity
  • Feedback, testimonials or commendations
  • External recognition of the value and/ or impact of the activity
  • Awards or nominations
  • Media coverage
  • Photographs

Evidence that substantiates and demonstrates the extent of the achievement and its impact must be explicitly referenced in the written response and then attached as a supplement to the nomination.

Nominees should not include any additional information in attachments or use as an extension of the word limit.

Any evidence not specifically referred to in the text will not be considered.

  1. Alumnus of the Year
  • Contribution by a graduate that has significant benefit and impact
  • Evidence of sustained leadership and achievement in a particular field
  • Evidence that the contribution benefits society and/or the University community
  1. Young Alumnus of the Year
  • Contribution by a graduate 35 years or under
  • Evidence of emerging leadership and achievement in a particular field
  • Evidence that the contribution benefits society and/or the University community
  1. International Alumnus of the Year
  • Contribution by a graduate that has global impact and relevance
  • Evidence of sustained leadership and achievement in a particular field
  • Evidence that the contribution benefits society and/or the University community
  • Early Career Alumnus of the Year
  • Contribution by a graduate within 5 years after the completion of their degree
  • Evidence of significant career achievement in a particular field
  • Evidence that the contribution benefits society and/or the University community
  1. Community Impact Award
  • Contribution towards addressing critical issues in communities
  • Engagement of partners to understand and address issues collaboratively

Evidence of enhanced community capacity and/or benefit.

The University will award each Alumni Impact Award Recipient with a one-off monetary prize payment of $1000.

Led by the Vice Chancellor, the Selection Panel determines the finalists and award recipients for each category and includes members of the Executive team.

Award recipients will be announced in November, 2022.

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