Monash celebrates its stars

Monash University has welcomed five new distinguished alumni and celebrated its alumni community at the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Awards.

The gala awards ceremony was held on 18 August at BMW Edge at Federation Square in Melbourne in front of more than 350 alumni, staff, supporters, students and friends.

Monash University Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel AM presented the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award to business leader Ms Naomi Milgrom (BA 1973) and the Distinguished Alumni Professional Achievement Award to writer, actor and producer Ms Jane Turner (BA 1988).

In presenting the awards Dr Finkel said: “Monash is truly proud of the attainments of all of our alumni, and acknowledges their role in the University’s continued success as an institution.”

“Producing outstanding graduates is one of the most important services Monash University can provide to the community. We appreciate their achievements and the contribution they each make in their chosen field,” he said.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne AO presented the 2010 Student Alumni Award to Bachelor of Arts Honours student William Moore, for his leadership of student volunteerism at Monash South Africa.

Professor Byrne also presented the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Service Award to Monash volunteer and well-known media commentator Dr Sally Cockburn (MBBS 1982), and the 2010 Distinguished Young Alumni Award to environmental campaigner Ms Amanda McKenzie (LLB(Hons) 2008).

The evening was kept rolling along by Master of Ceremonies, actor and satirist Mr Max Gillies AM (BA 1966).

Students from the School of Music Conservatorium in Faculty of Arts and the Monash University Academy of Performing Arts provided the musical performances at the awards ceremony.

Alumnus Mark Wilson (BPA(Hons) 2008) also presented a spoken word performance of a speech given by Sir John Monash in 1918.

The stunning awards trophies a hallmark of the event since 2007 were designed and made by alumna and Faculty of Art & Design staff member Bethany Wheeler (BA(CeramicDes) 2000, MFA 2003).

Read more about the award recipients and view short DVD presentations about their careers and achievements by visiting the Distinguished Alumni Awards website.

To view the selection panel for this year’s awards visit the Alumni Relations website