The Awards
At Southern Cross, we have a long standing tradition of recognising the achievements of outstanding alumni through the Alumni of the Year Awards. Past recipients are leaders and innovators across a diverse range of disciplines who exemplify the values and ethos of Southern Cross University.
In the Awards’ 26-year history, the University has recognised hundreds of alumni for their professional and personal dedication to making a profound impact in our society worldwide. From those who are established in their careers to those who are just getting started. In 2020, we look forward to recognising and celebrating our extraordinary graduates in what has been an extraordinary year.
Nominations will be reviewed before finalists and award recipients are selected by a panel. All finalists will be featured in an awards presentation to premiere in early 2021.
Nominations are now closed. For any equiries about the Alumni Impact Awards 2020 please contact alumni@scu.edu.au.
Award categories
Alumnus of the Year
Celebrating professional achievement and leadership and excellence in their chosen field of endeavour and outstanding service to the community or profession.
Young Alumnus of the Year
For an alumnus within 5 years after the completion of their degree, who has demonstrated excellence in their chosen field of endeavour and outstanding service to the community or profession.
International Alumnus of the Year
For an alumnus who has studied as an international student and has demonstrated achievement and leadership in their chosen field of endeavour.
Community Impact Award
For significant contribution to addressing critical issues in communities through collaboration.

Nominations are now closed
There are many Southern Cross graduates making a significant and positive impact in their chosen fields.
Award winners will receive $1000 support for their professional development.
Nominations were open until Sunday 17 January 2021, 11:59pm. (now closed)
Previous Award Winners

Alumnus of the Year
Neale Robert Sutton
Managing Director, Humanihut
Master of Professional Management
Neale is the Managing Director of Humanihut, providing lightweight, robust emergency shelters for international humanitarian and other purposes.
Neale co-founded Humanihut in 2013, after being deployed as a Military Observer to the UN Transitional Authority in East Timor where he controlled the repatriation of refugees from West to East Timor.
In 2016, Humanihut was shortlisted to the Disrupt 100 list of businesses with the most potential to influence, change or create new global markets.
Related news:
“Former soldier-turned-inventor named Alumnus of the Year.”

Young Alumnus of the Year
Holly Millican
Mathematics teacher at Grafton High School (on NSW Mid North Coast)
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education (Primary/ Secondary)
Holly teaches maths at Grafton High School and is inspired by empowering students who struggle with basic mathematical concepts. She has developed a thriving mathematics enrichment tutoring program and is currently completing a Master of Education at Southern Cross. Holly’s emerging YouTube channel inspires teachers to make maths fun. Her first video won a state prize, giving her the opportunity to work with maths teacher and YouTube personality, Eddie Woo.
Related news:
“Maths teacher who makes learning fun named Young Alumnus of the Year.”

International Alumnus of the Year
Ashok Lavasa
Election Commissioner of India
Master of Business Administration
Ashok is currently the appointed Election Commissioner of India, having served, over a 37-year career, as India’s Secretary of Finance, Secretary of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and Secretary of Civil Aviation. As Environment Secretary, Ashok led India’s official team to negotiate the Paris Agreement on Climate Change as well as the Montreal Protocol and the Conventions on Biodiversity and Desertification.
Related news:
“India’s election commissioner named International Alumnus of the Year.”
Alumni Impact Awards FAQs
How do I nominate for an Alumni of the Year Award?
All nominations must be submitted via the application form and must:
- Include 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.
- 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).
Who can nominate for an Alumni of the Year Award?
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
- Must have completed their degree within the last 5 years (for Young Alumnus of the Year).
- Studied as an international student or at an international partner institution (for International Alumnus of the Year)
- 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.
Can I make multiple nominations and in multiple categories?
Yes! You can nominate once for 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.
What type of evidence do I need to submit with an Alumni nomination?
A broad range of evidence of multiple types and sources is recommended 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
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.
What are the category criteria?
- 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
- Young Alumnus of the Year
- Contribution by a graduate within 5 years of the completion of their degree
- Evidence of emerging leadership and achievement in a particular field
- Evidence that the contribution benefits society and/or the University community
- 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
- 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
What is the prize for winning an Alumni of the Year Award?
The University will award each Alumni Award Recipient with a one-off monetary prize payment of $1000.
Who is on the Selection Panel?
Led by the Vice Chancellor. the Selection Panel determines the finalists and award recipients for each category and includes members of the Executive leadership team.
When are finalists and winners announced?
Winners will be announced in March 2021. All judge’s decisions are final.