Distinguished Alumni Awards

The Distinguished Alumni Awards recognise alumni who have significantly contributed to their communities and professions.

Our Distinguished Alumni are a rich and diverse pool of leaders and innovators who, through their outstanding accomplishments, have improved the lives of others and significantly contributed to their communities and professions. 

These are the contemporary and the legendary; the entrepreneurial and the humanitarian; the philosophical; the artistic and the technically talented. They are exemplars of the University of Adelaide success story and a great source of pride and inspiration.

2023 Distinguished Alumni Award winners

Nik Nasha Damia

Distinguished Alumni Award

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to supporting and empowering refugees in Malaysia

Dr David Lam

Distinguished Alumni Award

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to medicine as a rural and regional GP and advocate for equitable healthcare

Adam Liaw

Distinguished Alumni Award

In recognition of his outstanding service to Australian food culture and promotion of accessible nutritious food for all

John Scanlon AO

Distinguished Alumni Award

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to environmental law and commitment to ending wildlife crimes

Dr Sarah Boyle

James McWha Rising Star Award

In recognition of her excellence in breast cancer research and her advocacy for breast cancer patients

Juliet Haslam OAM

Outstanding Alumni Contribution to Sport Award

In recognition of her excellence in hockey and her service to sport as a volunteer, mentor and advocate for athletes

Inaugural award 

Lesley Salem AM

Tirkapena Indigenous Award

In recognition of her service to nursing practice and her dedication to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Peter Ong

Distinguished International Alumni Award

In recognition of his outstanding leadership and significant contribution to the Singaporean civil service

Previous recipients