Our 2023 Deakin Alumni Award recipients have made significant impacts in their industries and their communities.

 

2023 Young Alumni of the Year

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Mr Abrar Aziz

Mr Abrar Aziz leads a sustainable energy team including pro-bono work for vulnerable communities. He generously volunteers his time to support his industry and students.

Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Honours) ’17
A thank you message from Abrar
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Miss Eva Mackinley

Miss Eva Mackinley has helped significantly reduce single-use plastics. She’s served as Director and Board Member of several charitable and community organisations.

Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Arts (Honours) ’19
Diploma of Arabic ’18
A thank you message from Eva
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Ms Sophie McNamara

Ms Sophie McNamara is an experienced lawyer and Director with a passion for sustainable responsible practices and pro-bono programs.

Master of Business Administration ’19
A thank you message from Sophie

2023 Alumni of the Year

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Mr Serdar Baycan

Mr Serdar Baycan is a Director, entrepreneur, and lead architect on major projects on land and in space! He creates spaces with warmth and pays attention to the surroundings.

Bachelor of Architecture ’86
A thank you message from Serdar
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Professor Roianne West

Professor Roianne West was Australia’s first Nursing Director in a tertiary hospital with a dedicated portfolio of Indigenous Health. She passes down knowledge and builds capacity generationally.

Bachelor of Nursing – Institute of Koorie Education (now NIKERI Institute) ’01
A thank you message from Roianne
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Dr David Newman

Dr David Newman’s service to aerospace medicine as a researcher, educator, and flight safety advocate spans 30 years.

Master of Business Administration ’13
A thank you message from David
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Mr Daniel Wordsworth

Daniel Wordsworth has established and mentored community development and emergency responses in most of the world’s conflict zones. He has led humanitarian support on a global scale.

Master of International and Community Development ’01
Graduate Diploma Development Studies ’00
 

While you are here, watch the recipients’ videos and listen to their shared advice; see how a student design project inspired this year’s trophy; leave a congratulatory message in the guest book below!

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How a student design project inspired the trophy
 

Reflections from our recipients

Whether you are starting out in your career, considering making a change, or taking a risk, their advice is thought-provoking.

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Explore more of our previous Alumni Award recipients stories

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