News archive

Human Rights Award success

Alumna and Monash staff member Professor Sharon Pickering has been honoured for her work championing the human rights of asylum seekers.

Monash partners with ACAA

Monash University has recently become a Gold Level Partner of the Australia China Alumni Association, a not-for-profit organisation that supports alumni of Australian universities who are living in China.

Drug research gets international nod

Alumnus, Monash researcher Professor Arthur Christopoulos (BPharm 1990, PhD 1999) has become the first Australian to take out a major international pharmaceutical award.

Alumna receives inaugural physics prize

Alumna Dr Kaye Morgan (BSc, BE(Elec&Comp)(Hons) 2007, PhD 2011) has received the inaugural Robert Street Doctoral Prize in Physics for her work to achieve live imaging of airways affected by cystic fibrosis.

Vale Dame Elisabeth

The Monash community is saddened to learn of the passing of alumna and philanthropist Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE (HonLLD 2008).

Accounting for time

Alumnus Tom Quinlan is an advocate for work-life integration. He says that it’s not the same as work-life balance. It’s where work is integrated around your life rather than vice versa.

Celebration marks end of 2012 mentoring program

More than 40 mentors and mentees recently attended the end-of-year celebration for the 2012 Alumni-Student Mentoring Program.

Alumni prized for innovation

Professor Ana Deletic and Professor Terence Speed - two world leaders in storm-water management and bioinformatics - have won the 2012 Victoria Prize for Science and Innovation.

Alumna named Australia's Business Woman of the Year

Carolyn Creswell has received the 2012 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year award at the 18th Telstra Australian Business Women’s Awards, held in Sydney on 21 November.

Artist recognised with international scholarship

Monash Art Design & Architecture alumna Alex Martinis Roe has been awarded a 2013 Anne and Gordon Samstag International Visual Arts Scholarship.

Meet alumnus Dr Paul Fraser

Dr Paul Fraser’s (BSc(Hons) 1969, PhD Chemistry 1972) seven years as a Monash student set him up to become one of the world’s most renowned atmospheric chemists.

Alumnus announced as ambassador to Russia

Paul Myler (MAFAT 2002) has been announced as Australia’s next Ambassador to Russia with non-resident accreditation to Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Alumna's delightful career

As the co-founder, executive director and joint CEO of Australia's most successful bakery franchise, Lesley Gillespie (BSc (Hons) 1977, DipEd 1978) is an inspiring woman, not to mention humble and generous.

Curiosity paves the way for Monash Rhodes Scholar

Geoffrey Pascoe (BCompSc (Hons) 2012) has won the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship for study at Oxford University where he plans to help drive a revolution in transportation.

Alumna to lead private sector support for the arts

Alumna Carol Schwartz (BA 1977, LLB 1978, MBA 1988) has been appointed as Chair of the single agency replacing the Australia Business Arts Foundation and Artsupport Australia.

Monash researchers solving global health challenges

We're living longer but are we living better? We have boundless opportunities but is our health suffering? Are we close to uncovering a "fountain of youth"? Find out at our next Alumni Speaker Series event. 31 Oct. Melbourne.

A real beneficiary of the last century

Dr Chang Mong Tay studied at Monash under the Colombo Plan. He says his experience as an international student benefited him in his career and life. This belief prompted a gift to the Faculty of Engineering.

Advancing treatment for head and neck injury

Improving treatment and outcomes for people with life-threatening head and neck injuries is the aim of a comprehensive new book by alumnus Professor Jeffrey Rosenfeld AM.

Alumni celebrated at gala event

Monash University has celebrated the leadership and achievements of its alumni and student communities at the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Opinion: Aspirin's journey from nature to nurture

This story actually begins in 400 BC. The hero is Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. From him we learned that a powder made from the bark and leaves of the willow tree can be used to help heal headaches, pains and fevers.

Alumna wins top Victorian Business Women’s Award

Carolyn Creswell (BA 1995), sole owner and Managing Director of Carman’s Fine Foods, has been named the 2012 Telstra Victorian Business Woman of the Year.

Alumnus takes on lead role at Channel Ten

Russel Howcroft (BBus(Mktg) 1988), an Australian business man and media personality best known as a panelist on the ABC’s ‘The Gruen Transfer’, has been appointed to the role of Executive General Manager of Network Ten.

Alumnae finalists in business awards

Four Monash alumnae have been named finalists in the 2012 Victorian Telstra Business Women’s Awards.

The continuing tragedies of home birth

Julian Savulescu (BMedSc(Hons) 1988, MBBS(Hons) 1988, PhD 1995) argues home birth is only an option if it exposes the future child to zero risk of avoidable disability.

An award winning Australian premiere

Alumna Donna McRae (MFA 2009) has received two major awards for her feature film depicting a recovering alcoholic who encounters ghosts of her post-punk past.

Distinguished Alumni Award winners announced

A legal academic, a business leader, a humanitarian, a doctor, and a debating champion will receive this year’s Distinguished Alumni Awards.

Meet alumnus Brett Gosper

Former ad man and international rugby player Brett Gosper (BEc 1981) says he owes his success to the support of his family.

Monash celebrates art critic Paul Taylor

The work of trailblazing alumnus, art critic and curator Paul Taylor, has inspired an upcoming symposium at the Monash University Museum of Art.

Alumna named president of Australian Women Lawyers

Kate Ashmor (BA 2005, LLB 2005) has been named the new president of Australian Women Lawyers, an organisation concerned with issues relating to practice and advancement of women in the legal profession.

Music rains at BMW Edge

Melbourne’s unpredictable weather did little to dampen the spirits of the more than 400 people who came to see world-renowned musician Paul Grabowsky speak about his life’s work.

An evening with Paul Grabowsky

World-renowned Australian pianist, jazz musician, conductor and composer Paul Grabowsky will speak about his life, work and plans for the future at Monash University’s third Alumni Speaker Series event for 2012.

Orchestral spectacle

A group of 50 prominent alumni attended Robert Blackwood Hall recently to see a live performance from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Master class on strategic negotiations

Industrial relations expert Professor Joel Cutcher-Gershenfeld will present a master class on strategic negotiations at Monash University Law Chambers on Monday, 6 August from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

Alumna named Australia’s Teacher Educator of the Year

A thirty-year career in education and a commitment to enhancing the student experience has seen Monash alumna Dr Margaret Plunkett named Australia’s Teacher Educator of the Year.

Opinion: When targeted killings undermine the rule of law

Associate Professor Gideon Boas (BA 1995, LLB 1995, GradCertHigherEd 2010) says Osama Bin Laden is really the tip of the iceberg in a debate about extrajudicial killing.

Drawing artistic praise

The creative process can be a frustrating one but for Monash alumnus Ken Smith (MA 1996) it all came together in a small coloured pencil drawing, earning him the 2012 Rick Amor Drawing Prize.

Opinion: Label with care

Alumnus Julian Savulescu asks: when is it justifiable to prescribe medication - only when there is a diagnosed deficit or disease; or should we use it to enhance our lives as much as possible?

Opinion: The Genome Generation

Alumna Dr Elizabeth Finkel (BSc(Hons) 1979) says the genome era is transforming our understanding of medicine, agriculture and all the biological disciplines at a breakneck pace.

Staff, prominent alumni among honours recipients

Monash University alumni Professor Simon Molesworth, Professor Tam Sridhar, Dr Jerry Ellis and Mr Tony D’Aloisio are among a group of alumni, staff and supporters recognised in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Distance inspires donation

Scarlett Lucero (MEd 2008) managed to complete her Monash degree without ever meeting a lecturer or fellow student. Yet her experience was so positive that it inspired her to donate to the Faculty of Education.

Magical puppetry and musical mastery

When you think of classical music, puppetry doesn’t usually come to mind. That’s why the coupling of master puppeteer Peter Wilson and chamber music trio Ensemble Liaison was so compelling.

Sharing lessons learnt

Three successful entrepreneurs and business leaders shared their experiences with MBA alumni and students at a forum at the Windsor Hotel in Melbourne on 24 May.

Photos: Alumni celebrate at Singapore dinner

More than 110 alumni attended a dinner in Singapore on 24 May, hearing about the University’s key developments and the latest expedition for alumnus and volunteer, Charles Lee.

Video: Alumni share their Monash experience

Miss our latest Alumni Speaker Series event? You can now watch it in full via our YouTube channel. About 400 people came along on 24 May to hear our alumni panel speak candidly about their time as Monash students.

My mentee and me

We caught up with alumnus John McMorrow and his student mentee Kathryn Marnell to find out about their year in the Alumni-Student Mentoring program.

Celebrating our ambassadors

During National Volunteer Week - May 14-20 - we're celebrating the contribution our alumni make to the University and to the lives of people in their own communities.

Volunteer to stay connected

Alumni Edward Chiu (BEc 1971) and David Chan (BEc 1988, LLB 1990) have clocked up more than 40 years of volunteering to Monash University between them.

Alumni pay it forward

In 2010 South African alumni Fulu Murovhi (BBusCom 2007) and Laura Cremona (BBusSys 2006, BBusSys(Hons) 2007) launched a volunteer program to teach local community members new skills.

Alumna’s art brightens clinical school

The School of Rural Health’s Gippsland Regional Clinical School has launched a new 40-piece montage of images by alumna Kobie Notting (BVMA 2012).

Volunteers begin a social work revolution in PNG

Graduates Tara Kornhauser and Esther Grimes are leading a volunteer program to improve the training of social workers in Papua New Guinea - a nation troubled by violence, HIV infection, and a growing economic divide.

Monash University: It’s your story

Join alumni Mr Julian Burnside AO QC, Dr Sally Cockburn, Mr Jon Faine, and Mr Max Gillies AM as they speak candidly about their days as Monash students, with the authors of University Unlimited: The Monash Story. 24 May. Melbourne.

The Great Debate

Prominent law alumni will battle it out with current law students on the topic 'Political bias in the media should be banned' at this year's Great Law Week Debate. 16 May, Melbourne.

Alumni advance Australia with flair

Three Monash alumni have received Advance Global Australian Awards in recognition of their talent, vision, ambition and leadership.

Opinion: Launch of Monash Health Translation Precinct

Monash alumnus and Chancellor, Dr Alan Finkel AM, writes on the Federal Government's $71 million commitment for a new building and facilities at the Monash Health Translation Precinct (MHTP).

Opinion: A moral argument against the war on drugs

Ethicist Julian Savulescu (BMedSc(Hons) 1988, MBBS(Hons) 1988, PhD 1995) says a zero-tolerance approach to a crime like taking drugs will always fail.

Alumnus recognised for social commitment

Passionate social campaigner Andrew Asten (BCom 2011, LLB(Hons) 2011) has received a Young Achiever Award from The Rotary Club of Melbourne for his commitment to law and community service.

Learning to fly

It was during second year that aerospace engineering graduate Komal Sangha set her sights on a career in the Australian Defence Force. Four years later she is a fully-qualified aviation engineer in the Royal Australian Navy. .

Fulbright success for alumni

Two Monash Alumni have been awarded prestigious Fulbright Scholarships for study and research at leading institutions in the United States in 2012. .

Technology leader

Monash Chancellor, alumnus Dr Alan Finkel AM, has been appointed the new President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.

Alumna on a roll

Monash alumna and staff member Professor Helena Teede (MBBS(Hons) 1989, PhD 2001) has joined 19 other inspirational Victorian women in being inducted onto the 2012 Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

New head of PwC hails from Monash

Monash alumnus Luke Sayers (BBus(Acc) 1993, (Bcomp(InfoSys) 1993) has been announced as the new chief executive of PricewaterhouseCoopers Australia (PwC), the country’s largest accounting firm.

Alumnus heads up innovation at paper giant

Monash alumnus Tony Palmer (BBus(Mktg) 1987) has been announced as Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s President, Global Brands and Innovation.

Design that makes a difference

By harnessing the power of the sun, Monash alumnus Jon Liow (BID(Hons) 2011) designed a simple, sustainable and affordable water-purification device, which has the potential to help eradicate disease and save lives.

Debate examines football’s influence on our lives

About 300 people attended Monash University’s first Alumni Speaker Series event for 2012 – a panel discussion on the AFL’s role in Australian society and the leadership position it has taken on the behaviour of young sportsmen.

A sustainable passion

Ensuring a liveable environment for future generations is a high priority for Stan Krpan (BEc 1991, LLB 1992, LLM 2006). He has followed this passion along a diverse career path to his current position as CEO of Sustainability Victoria.

Guided tour an eye-opening experience

A visit to the Monash University Museum of Art by a group of prominent Monash alumni provided an intriguing and energising experience, and introduced MUMA’s award-winning premises to a new and enthusiastic audience.

Alumnus gives the gift of education

Dr Paul Gardner AM (PhD 1974) has expressed his gratitude to Monash for a rewarding 36-year career by making a bequest to the Faculty of Education. This is the first ever bequest by a former staff member to the faculty.

An Australian champion

Meet alumnus Bruce Brockhoff (BEc 1965), a champion racer of sailplanes, philanthropist, inventor and keen horticulturalist.

Always choose freedom

Ethicist Julian Savulescu (BMedSc(Hons) 1988, MBBS(Hons) 1988, PhD 1995) speaks to Australia Unlimited about the future of the human race, genetic engineering and life as an Oxford don.

Opinion: Why the Australian Synchrotron matters

Monash Chancellor and alumnus Dr Alan Finkel AM (BE 1976, PhD 1981) writes about the funding crisis faced at the Australian Synchrotron. Should you care about the future of this Victorian research facility?

Big names tackle big issues in AFL

With the first bounce of the 2012 AFL season less than two months away, Monash Alumni Relations is bringing together some of the country’s best-known football experts to debate the league’s leadership role in Australian society.

Nominations open for alumni awards

Our alumni are changing the world for the better. It’s time to recognise their achievements once again through our Distinguished Alumni Awards. And you can help - by nominating alumni for the 2012 awards.

Volunteer as a mentor and make a difference

As a Monash graduate, you have a great deal of career and life experience to contribute. Why not share this experience with current students? Registrations are now open for our Alumni-Student Mentoring Program.

Monash community honoured on Australia Day

Chief Justice Diana Bryant (LLM 1999), is one of more than 30 Monash alumni, staff and supporters who received Australia Day Honours this year.

Alumna's research improves medicine management

With an eye to the ageing population, Monash graduate and current PhD student Julia Gilmartin (BPharm(Hons) 2009) is focused on improving the provision of medicines to Victorians in aged care facilities.

Demographer joins national newspaper

Alumnus Bernard Salt (MA 1985) - an expert in demographic and social trends - has joined The Australian as its social editor.

Sound of music

A school founded by alumnus Dr Ahmad Sarmast (PhD 2005) is reviving and rebuilding music and music education in Afghanistan.

Alumnus wins editor role

Science alumnus John van Tiggelen (BSC 1991) has been appointed Editor of the Monthly, an independent publication that focuses on Australian politics, society and culture.

Alumna's imperial honour

Deborah Glass (BA 1980, LLB 1982) has been honoured with the award of The Order of the British Empire – Officer for her work with the Independent Police Complaints Commission in London.

Alumnus appointed Ambassador to UAE

Diplomat Pablo Kang (GradDip(FAT) 1997) has been announced as Australia's next Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. He will also have non-resident accreditation to the State of Qatar.

The Monash connection

Jeni Nathanielsz (BA 1971) travelled from Sri Lanka to Australia in late 2011 to watch her son Tristan (BA 2011, LLB(Hons) 2011) achieve what she had 40 years prior.

Sustainability leader

Stan Krpan (BEc 1991, LLB 1992, LLM(CrimJust&Litig) 2006) is the new CEO of Sustainability Victoria, an organisation that inspires environmental sustainability through education.

Alumni collaboration takes place

A series of necklaces designed by Sarah Hudson (BFA 2011) and Pennie Elliott (BFA 2011) have placed third in the prestigious Japanese 2011 Itami Craft Exhibition.

Alumni finalists in Australian of the Year Awards

Five Monash University alumni are in the running for 2012 Australian of the Year awards after winning their state finals.

Looking forward to 2012

Alumni Relations director Louise McCarthy looks forward to the 2012 alumni relations program including upcoming local and international events, special offers and privileges, and ways you can get involved.

2011 - Your year in review

It has been another big year for our alumni community. Take a look back at 2011 through our special picture series.

HRH Prince Alwaleed honoured

Entrepreneur, philanthropist and international investor HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud has been presented with an honorary degree from Monash University.

Our alumna lead local government

Stefanie Perri (BComm 2003) has become the second Monash alumna in three years to be elected Mayor of the City of Monash.

Agent of diplomacy

Weekly plane travel, leading organisations, radio appearances, honours graduate... they’re all part of the extraordinary life of the driven Thom Woodroofe, age 22.

Alumnus shares his Monash experience

Charles Lee is one of over 400 alumni who volunteer on behalf of the University. His experience at Monash has inspired an ongoing commitment to Monash University Alumni Singapore. .

What lies beneath? Alumni Speaker Series - Hypothetical

Join our illustrious panel - led by alumnus Ben Richards - as they explore the issues involved in the excavation of an important (fictitious) Indigenous site. 24 November, BMW Edge.

Meet alumna Berna Wake

A fortuitous meeting at a Monash University careers fair has led to a 28-year career at Unilever for alumna Berna Wake (BEc 1983).

Alumnus seeks climate commitment

Prominent environmental lawyer Professor Simon Molesworth AM QC (BA 1975, LLB 1977) is leading the charge against the cultural implications of climate change.

Sir Roderick speaks to new graduates

Australian businessman and alumnus Sir Roderick Carnegie (HonLLD 2011) has given an inspirational speech to new alumni at a graduation ceremony at Clayton.

On the Rhode to Oxford

Alumnus Victor Finkel has received the Victorian Rhodes Scholarship to study at Oxford University in 2012. This is the third year in a row that a Monash graduate has received the honour.

Designing monsters

Alumnus Avon Perera completed a double degree in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design. He now makes monsters come to life as a designer with Creature Technology Company.

Meet alumnus Rod Harris

Monash alumnus Rod Harris (BE 1969) is a successful engineer, adventurer, and athlete. He has strived to mix his career with his greatest passions in life: adventure and the great outdoors.

Alumna discovers new dolphin species

Alumna and current PhD student Kate Charlton-Robb (BSc(Hons) 2004) has discovered a new species of dolphin. Her research showed that coastal dolphins in southern Australia greatly differed from any other dolphin worldwide

Celebrating our alumni community

Meet our 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients. Five alumni and one student were presented with the awards on 8 September at Melbourne's Plaza Ballroom in front of more than 350 alumni, staff, students and supporters.

Monash alumni awarded in India

Three Monash University alumni have received Australian Alumni Excellence Awards in India. The awards showcased Australia’s education excellence and recognised the achievements of alumni across a diverse range of fields.