The Flinders University community, led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling and Chancellor John Hood, celebrated the incredible achievements of our alumni superstars at the 2023 Alumni Awards gala dinner last week.
Professor Stirling congratulated the award recipients for embodying the core values of Flinders – especially their dedication to knowledge, innovation and the betterment of society.
“From healthcare and medical research, to manufacturing, the arts and advocacy for First Nations peoples, our 2023 awardees have each made their mark across a wide spectrum of disciplines and industries,” said Professor Stirling.
“Their stories are a testament to the transformative power of education and the unyielding spirit of human endeavour, and they motivate us all to reach higher, dream bigger and leave indelible footprints that inspire future generations of Flinders graduates.
“As we honour our most distinguished alumni, we also reaffirm Flinders’ commitment to fostering an environment where knowledge knows no bounds and where the potential for excellence resides within each and every one of us.
“Congratulations to our 2023 Flinders University alumni who have been awarded, and we applaud their amazing contributions to our future.”
The Convocation Medal, the University’s highest honour awarded to alumni, was this year presented to Cav. Maurice Crotti AO and Professor Maria Makrides for their substantial and outstanding contributions to the local, national and international community.
As Joint-Chairman and Chief Executive of San Remo, one of Australia’s largest privately owned food companies, Cav. Maurice Crotti AO has been Knighted by the Italian Government and awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his contributions in each country. He has now been awarded the Convocation Medal for outstanding entrepreneurship and ambassadorship of food manufacturing, exporting and economic development in South Australia.
Professor Maria Makrides, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) Executive Director, is a global leader in translational nutrition research, specialising in the field of pregnancy and perinatal health for improved maternal-infant outcomes. Professor Makrides was awarded the Convocation Medal in recognition of her outstanding leadership in the research community, and for mentoring a new generation of research leaders, especially females.
Other alumni who have distinguished themselves through their contributions to Flinders, the local, national or international communities, or who have achieved significant professional achievements, have been recognised with a Distinguished Alumni Award.
Flinders College of Nursing and Health Science Professor of Nursing and Director of Southern Adelaide Local Health Network (SALHN) Nursing and Midwifery Research Professor Robyn Clark was recognised with a Distinguished Alumni Award for her contributions to research that is improving access to evidence-based cardiovascular care for under-serviced and disadvantaged populations.
Professor Bogda Koczwara AM, Medical Oncologist and Senior Staff Specialist in the Centre of Innovation in Cancer, was awarded in recognition of her leadership in the medical oncology profession and health services research.
BET Group Globally Pty Ltd Chief Executive Emily Korir was recognised for her leadership and advocacy, through lived experience, in supporting people with a disability and in recognition of volunteer work in Africa to end female genital mutilation.
Having acted on his teenage dream to make life better for those living in poverty, Dr Michael C Smith, Biomedical Engineer at Purple House (the Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation), was awarded for his contributions to the health and wellbeing of people in remote Aboriginal desert communities through the design and support of water-treatment systems for medical dialysis services.
Professor Cassandra Szoeke, creator of the longest running study of women’s health in Australia, was recognised for her leadership in studying dementia, women’s health research, and influencing international policy and guidelines to improve healthy ageing.
Professor Simone Ululka Tur – educator, artist, writer, advocate and leader through her role as Flinders University Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) – was recognised for her leadership in Indigenous advocacy, both within South Australia and nationally, through art and education.
The Early Career Alumni Awards recognise graduates achieving great success in the early stages of their careers.
Cornwall Insight Australia Energy Market Analyst Dr Mehrdad Aghamohamadi has been recognised for his significant research in renewable and sustainable energy development models that are helping to shape Australia’s net zero emission target.
Dr I Gusti Ayu Agung ‘Dhani’ Dharmaprani has been recognised for her significant research in cardiac electrophysiology, using engineering techniques to further develop technologies improving cardiovascular health.
As Co-Founder and Managing Director of social enterptise TABOO, Eloise Hall has been recognised for her significant entrepreneurship that addresses period poverty in Australia, to ensure equal access to safe and dignified period care.
Making a success of screen production opportunities has seen Madison Siegertsz recognised with an Early Career Alumni Award, for her significant contribution to the creative industries sector, showcasing South Australian talent and ensuring accurate representation of neurodiverse communities on screen.
For more information about each of the 2023 Alumni Award winners, click here.