Callista Thillou, Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Engagement at Flinders University, has been recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the nation’s peak higher education organisation Universities Australia.

Ms Thillou was recognised for her exceptional achievements over two decades of contributing to the tertiary sectors in both Australia and the UK, in particular noting her work in “raising public awareness of the transformative power of university education and research.”

Vice-Chancellor Colin Stirling says the award reflect how “Callista has meaningfully contributed to the high regard in which universities are held and the public’s understanding of their value and importance”.

Ms Thillou was presented with the honour at the 2018 Universities Australia Marketing, Communications and Development Conference in Melbourne over 24 and 25 October 2018, where Flinders’ student association was also acknowledged for its innovative Be a Better Human Campaign.

Created in collaboration with students, the Flinders University Student Association’s (FUSA) Be a Better Human Campaign was developed to reflect the University’s culture and promote an appropriate understanding of consent, respect and empathy.

The innovative campaign included a bank of resources that FUSA has since made available for use by other universities to address sexual assault and harassment. It was recognised by Universities Australia with a high commendation for Best Proactive Communications.