Wollongong, Australia - The University of Wollongong (UOW) hosted its annual Alumni Awards Gala, spotlighting the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of distinguished individuals across various sectors, ranging from healthcare and technology to arts and culture at the City Beach Function Centre.
This year's gala highlighted the achievements of remarkable alumni who have made indelible marks in their respective fields.
Professional Excellence Award was given to Prof Faye McMillan AM, a trailblazing figure in Indigenous Health and a distinguished faculty member at the University of Technology Sydney. Prof McMillan's dedication to the health and education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities has earned her widespread acclaim, including the Harkness Fellowship, the NSW Aboriginal Woman of the Year title in 2019, and the membership in the Order of Australia in 2021.
Young Alumni Award went to Dr Natalie Matosin, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Wollongong. She received recognition for her pioneering work in the realm of mental health. Dr Matosin's exceptional contributions to drug discovery, clinical trials, and innovative drug targets have garnered international acclaim, including prestigious accolades such as the 'Forbes 30 under 30 Award' in 2017 and inclusion in Women’s Agenda's 'Top 15 Australian Graduates to Watch'.
Social Impact Award was bagged by Honorary Prof Tanya Buchanan, the CEO at Cancer Council Australia. She was honoured for her significant contributions to public health. Her influential leadership has played a pivotal role in shaping cancer treatment, prevention, and research, further strengthened by her active engagement in national public health panels and committees.
Research & Scholarship Award was clinched by Prof Omowunmi Sadik, the Director of the BioSMART Center at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, who was acknowledged for her groundbreaking contributions in the field of sustainable nanotechnology. Prof Sadik's remarkable achievements, including her influential research in biosensors and sustainable nanotechnology, have been recognized through prestigious fellowships and the acquisition of five US patents.
UOW's Chancellor, Ms Christine McLoughlin AM, and Vice-Chancellor and President, Prof Patricia M Davidson, presided over the awards ceremony, which also introduced a new category honouring outstanding contributions to arts and culture, underscoring UOW's commitment to nurturing diverse forms of brilliance and acknowledging the exceptional accomplishments of its alumni.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Davidson lauded the resilience and determination of UOW's faculty, researchers, and alumni, emphasising their exceptional achievements despite the recent challenges. She extended heartfelt commendations to the awardees and finalists for their exemplary leadership, sustainable entrepreneurial endeavors, and profound contributions to society.
The UOW Alumni Awards, initiated in 2013 and briefly interrupted by the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, recognizes the exceptional achievements of its alumni throughout their careers.
The 2023 Awards Gala serves as a testament to the outstanding contributions made by UOW alumni, showcasing their dedication to transformative change and their significant positive impact on society.
