Distinguished Alumni Awards recognise outstanding achievements

The recipients included two Australian sporting stars and the first woman to hold the role of Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia.

Also awarded were the Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, one of Adelaide’s preeminent professors of medicine, the Director of Monarto Safari Park, a local leader in Indigenous health and reconciliation, and a young researcher hoping to put an end to the terrible side effects of cancer treatments. 

Through their efforts and accomplishments, these alumni create change in their communities and professions. Their influence is far-reaching, and the impacts of their work are felt throughout the world.

In addition to these awards, four alumni were presented with Alumni Fellow Awards by Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), in recognition of their momentous contributions to advancing the University of Adelaide’s Alumni Relations program.  

The Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented across five categories by the Honourable Catherine Branson AC SC, Chancellor, and Professor Peter Høj AC, Vice-Chancellor and President. The categories were:

• the Distinguished Alumni Award, for outstanding and sustained contributions;
• the Tirkapena Indigenous Award, for positive outcomes for Indigenous communities;
• the James McWha Rising Star Award, for those making a significant contribution as emerging leaders;
• the Distinguished International Alumni Award, for international graduates who excel in their chosen field;
• and the Outstanding Alumni Contribution to Sport Award, for outstanding and sustained contribution to sporting communities.

Distinguished Alumni Award recipients:

Peter Clark is the Director of Monarto Safari Park, and a lifelong advocate for conservation. He has been recognised by UNESCO for his important conservation work across three decades in Papua New Guinea and two decades at Monarto Safari Park.

Emeritus Professor Derek Frewin AO was the Dean of Medicine and then Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Adelaide. His long career as a compassionate and skilful medical practitioner, researcher and educator has benefitted not only his patients, but the many young doctors for whom he was both mentor and inspiration.

Tirana Hassan is a human rights advocate and the Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, a leading international human rights organisation working in some 100 countries around the world. Under her leadership, the organisation investigates and exposes human rights abuses and ensures that policy is changed, laws are enforced, and justice is served.  

James McWha Rising Star Award recipient:

Dr Hannah Wardill is an exceptional young Research Fellow and leader of the Supportive Oncology Research Group, a multidisciplinary group working to improve the health and wellbeing of people affected by cancer. After establishing the group in 2020, Hannah has grown the team from 3 to 15 members; she is dedicated to supporting students and emerging researchers to harness their own potential and embrace new opportunities.

Outstanding Alumni Contribution to Sport Award recipients:

Dr Amber Halliday is a three-time rowing world champion, two-time Olympian, and a national champion in cycling. Having retired from her athletic sporting career, she now uses her psychology background to work with individuals and teams, helping them to leverage the psychosocial benefits of sport. 

Graham Winter is a performance psychologist and bestselling author who uses his own experience as a former professional cricketer to help people unlock their potential. He has served as Chief Psychologist to three Australian Olympic teams and the Australian Test Cricket Team, and as a trusted advisor to top leadership teams in industry, government, and universities.

Tirkapena Indigenous Award recipient:
Talisha King is a Gurindji, Mudburra and Waanyi woman and a public health advocate working to improve the lives of Indigenous peoples through health and reconciliation. Applying her lived experience as a resident in remote and rural communities, alongside her professional experience in health and policy, she works with the Adelaide City Council in the development of the city’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

Distinguished International Alumni Award recipient:

Her Excellency Dr Serey Chea is the Governor of the National Bank of Cambodia – the first woman to hold this role in her country. Under her outstanding leadership, Cambodia has seen the modernisation and regulation of payment and banking systems that have created significant impacts for people around the country.

2024 Alumni Fellows:

Sam Ng joined the Adelaide University Alumni Association Singapore (AUAAS) in 2014 and has served as Vice-President and then President for five consecutive terms. He has successfully cultivated strong relationships with alumni networks in Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and China and helped foster a robust and interconnected community among University alumni in these regions.

Gill Duck served as a committee member of the MBA Alumni Committee before being elected unopposed to the position of President in November 2023. Under her leadership, the network formed closer ties with the Adelaide Business School to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship, and has flourished with eight new members.

Ashleigh Geiger has served as a member of the Women in STEM Alumni Network (WiSAN) since its inception November 2020, starting as the committee Secretary and serving as President from June 2022 to May 2024. Her expert guidance enabled WiSAN to deliver many well-received events, and has empowered committee members to continue providing innovative networking opportunities.

Alan Richardson was active in the Roseworthy Old Collegians Association (ROCA) from 1987 to 2018, helping to maintain strong links with ROCA members in South Australia’s Southeast and western Victoria. Alan was instrumental in organising and supporting successful ROCA events locally in the Southeast as well as in Adelaide, and utilised his public profile to promote the network’s achievements and activities.