Monash celebrates its new distinguished alumni

June 2008

Professor Dewi Fortuna Anwar with her husband Mr Yos Rizal

Monash University celebrated the achievements of five outstanding alumni when the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented at the 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner on 29 May.

Governor of Victoria, Professor David de Kretser AC, presented the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Awards to academic and political analyst Professor Dewi Fortuna Anwar (PhD 1990) and scientist, writer and explorer Professor Tim Flannery (MSc 1981).

Professor Anwar is Director for Program and Research at The Habibie Center, an independent think tank in Jakarta, and Research Professor and Deputy Chairman for Social Sciences and Humanities at The Indonesian Institute of Sciences.

In accepting her award, Professor Anwar congratulated Monash on its 50th anniversary.

“In 50 years Monash University has developed from an Australian university into an international institution of higher learning of world-class reputation. It is indeed a tremendous honour for me to be given the Distinguished Alumni Award at this auspicious time, the golden jubilee of Monash University, just a week after my own 50th birthday,” Professor Anwar said.

2007 Australian of the Year, Professor Flannery has a distinguished record in the fields of zoology
and palaeontology. He is particularly well known for his commentary on environmental issues,
including his international bestseller on global warming, The Weather Makers.

Professor Tim Flannery with his mother Mrs Valda Flannery

Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins AO presented the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Service Awards to Mr Alistair Lloyd AO RFD ED (PhC 1956) and Mr John Sturdy (BE(Hons) 1978, MEngSc 1988, MBA 1990).

Mr Lloyd has actively contributed to the Victorian College of Pharmacy for more than 50 years. In his current role of Chair of the College’s Foundation he has formed and strengthened ties with alumni and established a number of student-alumni engagement initiatives.

Mr Sturdy has developed, nurtured and participated in alumni, student and University-wide activities for almost 20 years. He has volunteered his time to alumni groups and to the Faculties of Engineering and Business and Economics.

In thanking Monash for the award, Mr Sturdy paid tribute to “the many others that have taken a similar journey and contributed and supported Monash across many activities on a voluntary basis or through their professional endeavours, pursuits and achievements.”

Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel AM presented the Distinguished Young Alumni Award to general practitioner Dr David Mitchell (MBBS 2000). Dr Mitchell served with the Royal Australian Air Force from 2003 to 2007 and was deployed to East Timor, Bali, Cyprus and Lebanon.

To read more about the award recipients or play the recipient presentation videos, visit the Distinguished Alumni Awards website .