The year in review - Monash news

January 2009

So what made the news in 2008? This edition of Monash Alumni eNews reports on the University’s progress, research outcomes and alumni achievements.

In University-wide news, Monash unveiled a new education blueprint called The Monash Passport; a bold new program that builds on the existing strengths of the University’s teaching and learning program.

In 2008, talented individuals and alumni joined Monash University staff, including Louise McCarthy who was appointed to the position of Alumni Relations Director. John Thwaites (BSc 1978, LLB(Hons) 1981) became the new Chairman of the Monash Sustainability Institute and Professor Stephen King (MEc 1988) was appointed as Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, to start in 2009.

From the faculties, a recent Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences study found that gastric banding surgery has a profound impact on Type 2 diabetes, and the Faculty of Engineering discovered a new technique that could revolutionise stem cell treatment for Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury.

The Faculty of Art & Design introduced Australia’s first architecture course in 20 years, and a new Faculty of Law manual is helping developing African countries negotiate improved fisheries agreements.

Business and Economics researchers are using a sophisticated model of the economy to help governments worldwide shape policies, and the Faculty of Arts extended its expertise in global terrorism research.

The Victorian College of Pharmacy was renamed the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Faculty of Science introduced a new scholarship program to support talented students wanting to pursue a Higher Degree by Research.

The Faculty of Information Technology embarked on developing a software system that will improve staff rosters in the transport industry, and the Faculty of Education offered an insight into the educational issues facing Australia’s Indigenous community at a public lecture early last year.

In 2008, more than 30 alumni were named in the Australia Day and Queen’s Birthday Honours and over 40 Monash graduates were represented at the Australian Government’s 2020 Summit in April.

Other alumni who received accolades last year were economist Dr Boediono (MEc 1972) and scientist Dr Herawati Sudoyo (PhD 1991), who received inaugural Australian Alumni Awards in Indonesia. Dr Beth Wilson (BA 1975, LLB 1977) and Professor Jean Armstrong (PhD(Eng) 1993) were inducted onto the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, and energy policy expert Cameron O’Reilly (MPubPolMgt 2000) was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship.

An American medical academy named its 28th Award in honour of Dr Susan Lim (MBBS (Hons) 1979) and economics alumnus Frank Milne (BEc(Hons) 1969, MEc 1971) was appointed special adviser of the Bank of Canada.

Dr Kay Patterson (PhD 1976, DipEd 1978) was made a Vice-Chancellor's Professorial Fellow, and Alastair Clarkson (MBA 1998) and Ian Robson (BEc 1983) played key roles in Hawthorn Football Club’s 2008 AFL Grand Final victory.

State and territory Australian of the Year Awards went to Professor Mick Dodson AM (BJuris 1974, LLB 1978) and band leader John Layton Hodgetts OAM (BA 1979). Playwright and screenwriter John Romeril (BA(Hons) 1971) received the 2008 Patrick White Literary Award, and Sarah Meyer (BA(Hons) 2004) was the proud winner of a 2009 General Sir John Monash Award.

Last year saw the establishment of new support groups for Australian university alumni including the Australian Alumni Association Mexico and the Australian Alumni Association of Spain. Monash alumni were also given increased access to a range of new privileges including a new Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performance discount, a Monash Sport membership offer, increased library borrowing rights, access to a new online database and discounts on Monash University ePress books.

Keep in touch with University and alumni news in 2009 through Monash Alumni eNews.