2026 Alumni Impact Awards

Anyone can nominate an eligible Southern Cross University alumnus for an Alumni Impact Award. Alumni can nominate themselves or nominate another alumnus.

To be eligible, the nominee must have graduated from Southern Cross University or one of its predecessor or partner institutions. Additional eligibility requirements apply for some award categories:

• Young Alumnus of the Year: the nominee must be 35 years of age or younger.
• Early Career Alumnus of the Year: the nominee must have graduated within the past five years.
• International Alumnus of the Year: the nominee must have studied as an international student or at an international partner institution.

Yes, you can submit multiple nominations.

If you are self-nominating, you may nominate yourself in more than one award category.

If you are nominating others, you may nominate more than one alumnus. Each nomination must be submitted separately and meet the eligibility and selection criteria for the relevant award category.

Alumni Impact Award nominations must include evidence that demonstrates the nominee’s achievements and the impact of their work. Evidence should be clearly referenced in the nomination statement and attached as supporting documentation.

Examples of supporting evidence include:

• Documented outcomes, changes or impacts resulting from the nominee’s activities.
• Feedback, testimonials or commendations.
• External recognition of the nominee’s achievements or impact.
• Awards or award nominations.
• Media coverage.
• Photographs.

Only evidence that is specifically referenced in the nomination statement will be considered. Supporting documents must be used to verify or substantiate claims made in the nomination and cannot be used to provide additional information or extend the word limit.

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 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

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

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

Recipients of a Southern Cross University Alumni Impact Award receive a one-off monetary prize of $1,000.

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, 2026.