Meet our previous winners
The University’s Outstanding Alumni Awards recognise and acknowledge the diverse achievements of alumni, across their fields of endeavour and in their communities.
From working to save the Great Barrier Reef, to helping Australia go farther in space than ever before, to shaping our communities and society through their contributions to business, law, the arts and beyond, Griffith’s alumni use all they've learnt as professionals and people to create change that counts.
Outstanding Alumnus—2024
Andrew McNeilly ESM
Griffith Sciences
Meet Andrew McNeilly ESM, the dedicated helicopter service chief training officer at SLSQ, passionately leading a skilled team for life-saving missions. Although highly awarded, Andrew stays grounded in his passion for his family and helping others.
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2024
Dr Leanne Geppert
Griffith Health
Leanne, with 25 years of experience in health and human services, is a dedicated leader committed to mental health and community well-being. She is making an impact through her senior voluntary roles with YMCA Brisbane and Y-Care.
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2024
Leona Murphy
Griffith Business School
Leona is driving a positive future for Queenslanders by promoting clean energy, financial well-being, and supporting ICU patients.
Yes
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2024
Kylie Washington
Arts, Education and Law
Kylie, the General Manager and Creative Director at BBC Studios Australia, has crafted 500+ hours of TV in the past five years. She champions careers, fosters inclusivity, and judges awards programs.
No
OAA
First Peoples Alumnus—2024
Caleb Adams
Griffith Sciences
Caleb Adams, a proud Wulli Wulli man, is dedicated to channelling capital towards impactful opportunities for Indigenous communities, focusing on sustainability and finance.
No
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2024
Melanie Briggs
Griffith Health
Melanie, a descendant of the Dharawal and Gumbaynggirr people, leads the innovative Birthing on Country program, recognised as a model for ‘Closing the Gap’.
No
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2024
Nick Williams
Griffith Business School
Nick Williams' inspirational commitment and drive stem from honouring his family, creating a better future, and advancing economic development for First Nations people through diplomacy and international trade.
Yes
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2024
Lystra Rose
Arts, Education and Law
Lystra Rose, an award-winning novelist of Guugu Yimithirr, Birri Gubba, Erub/Mua, and Scottish heritage, lives in Yugambeh-speaking Country (Gold Coast) and serves as editor-in-chief of Surfing Life Magazine.
No
OFPA
International Alumnus—2024
Samuel Jesuadian
Griffith Sciences
Samuel is the Chief Operating Officer of the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub, and mentors and establishes a funded National Manufacturing Capability Network.
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2024
Dr Nsofwa Sukwa-Chitwa
Griffith Health
Dr Nsofwa Sukwa-Chitwa is developing innovative solutions to pressing health issues in Zambia as a key member of the Centre for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) team.
Yes
IAA
International Alumnus—2024
Dave Baswal
Griffith Business School
With a focus on sustainability, collaboration, empathy, and empowerment, Dave is an exciting young leader in the hotel and tourism industry. As CEO of Ovolo Hotels, he leads eight iconic hotels across Hong Kong, Australia and Bali with a purpose-driven mindset.
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2024
Cory Hills
Arts, Education and Law
Cory Hills is a Grammy Award-winning percussionist and children’s storyteller committed to equitable arts education and has performed his Percussive Storytelling program over 1,200 times to more than 250,000 children in 10 countries.
No
IAA
Young Alumnus—2024
Dale Bowie
Griffith Sciences
IBM Master Inventor and Software Architect, Dale is a cybersecurity powerhouse passionate about protecting data and equipping the next generation of IT professionals through mentoring.
No
YAA
Young Alumnus—2024
Dr Kathryn Woodward
Griffith Health
Dr Kathryn Woodward, a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford and Deputy Chair of Canteen Australia (youth cancer charity), is engaging in research that will help transform refugee health in Queensland.
Yes
YAA
Young Alumnus—2024
Hayley Payne
Griffith Business School
Hayley is a Humanitarian and Climate Adaptation professional consulting on youth climate policy through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Asia Pacific Youth Advisory Group on Climate and Environmental Justice.
No
YAA
Young Alumnus—2024
Julian Barclay
Arts, Education and Law
Julian, a Partner at Thursday Legal, graduated with first-class honours from Griffith University. He founded the highly successful Brewers Lunch in his spare time, raising and donating over $400,000 to various charities.
No
YAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2023
Jasmina Joldić PSM
Griffith Business School
Jasmina Joldić’s incredible journey from war-torn Bosnia to the highest ranks of the Queensland public service shows the true power of education, determination and resilience.
Yes
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2023
Professor Bronwyn Harch
Griffith Sciences
From a curious helper on the family farm to occupying the most senior state-level role in science alongside the Queensland Government, Professor Harch looks back on her time at Griffith University with pride and fondness.
Yes
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2023
Colleen Jen
Griffith Health
Colleen’s impact in health has been far reaching. From direct patient contact as a frontline nurse to someone who is leading health care strategy, planning and research to improve outcomes for workers and patients alike.
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2023
Lachlan Pendragon
Arts, Education and Law
It wasn’t an ostrich that told Griffith Film School alumnus Lachlan Pendragon his short stop-motion animation film had been nominated for an Academy Award, but fortunately he did believe it.
No
OAA
First Peoples Alumnus—2023
Dean Gibson
Arts, Education and Law
Dean uses his digital media production skills learnt at Griffith to create productions which tell Aboriginal stories on screens and break new ground on how First Nations people are presented to the broader public.
Yes
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2023
Brett Leavy
Griffith Business School
Brett’s company, Bilbie XR Labs is a First Nations social impact organisation empowering First Nations communities to record and preserve the traditional knowledge and connection of First Nations people to their country.
No
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2023
Lesley Richardson
Griffith Health
Lesley is closing the gap for Indigenous children in remote communities like Groote Eylant by improving education, health, and developmental outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children whilst incorporating identity and culture at the forefront.
No
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2023
David Nalder
Griffith Sciences
David is working at Transport for NSW to help raise-up the voices of Indigenous communities and engage with non-Aboriginal people to help them understand different cultural perspectives to develop the understanding, confidence, and capability to do things better.
No
OFPA
Young Alumnus—2023
Raymond Siems
Griffith Sciences
Raymond Siems’ aptitude to identify problems and provide solutions for both businesses and community has taken him across the world as a successful software and, however unintentional, social entrepreneur.
Yes
YAA
Young Alumnus—2023
Josh Murchie
Griffith Business School
Josh’s app Little Phil is influencing a new wave of feel-good philanthropy by inviting everyday donors to be part of the charity journey.
No
YAA
Young Alumnus—2023
Dr Dan Wilson
Griffith Health
Dan’s fascination with science as a young boy led him to become an awarded medical doctor with the drive to lead and effect meaningful and sustainable change within medicine and the LGBTIQ+ community within regional areas.
No
YAA
Young Alumnus—2023
Emma Dean
Arts, Education and Law
Emma is a singer-songwriter transforming her community through the power of music. Finding success over her 20-year career in Australia and overseas with positive reviews for her music, shows off-Broadway and at the Edinburgh Fringe festival.
No
YAA
International Alumnus—2023
Dr Sultan AlNeyadi
Griffith Sciences
Fulfilling his childhood dream, Dr Sultan AlNeyadi has just returned from a six-month-long mission orbiting the International Space Station (ISS Expedition 69) serving as flight engineer with NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6.
Yes
IAA
International Alumnus—2023
Vũ Lê Tùng Giang
Master of Commerce
Giang has since embarked on a successful career empowering inspectors to protect Vietnam’s fast-growing banking system while humbly embodying the spirit of care in leading impactful community and charity projects.
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2023
Professor Dian Ratna Sawitri
Griffith Health
As a psychology researcher and influencer of children and their parents in making harmonious career decisions, Professor Sawitri is paving the way for international student career development by assisting youth in building their vocational identities.
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2023
Dr Chan, Yuk-Lan Phoebe
Arts, Education and Law
Through drama education, Dr Chan, Yuk-Lan Phoebe had a vision that drama could open the minds of young people and awaken emotional intelligence.
No
IAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2022
Dr Keith Graham OAM
Arts, Education and Law
Keith is committed to improving national and state school outcomes.
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2022
Melissa Lucashenko
Griffith Business School
Melissa is an award-winning novelist, essayist and short story writer fuelled by a desire to tell untold stories about Aboriginal Australia.
Yes
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2022
Adjunct Professor Alanna Geary
Griffith Health
Alanna is a leader in working to promote a healthier Queensland.
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2022
Lloyd Hancock
Griffith Sciences
Lloyd is an environmental planner, manager and environmental educator whose contributions have been recognised both locally and nationally.
No
OAA
First Peoples Alumnus—2022
Rachael Sarra
Arts, Education and Law
Rachael is a multi-disciplinary artist, designer and successful business woman, using art as a powerful tool in storytelling to educate and share Aboriginal culture and its evolution.
No
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2022
Professor Dennis Foley
Griffith Business School
Dennis is a Fullbright Scholar working to drive change within indigenous communities.
Yes
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2022
Péta Phelan
Griffith Health
Péta provides national leadership in representing First Peoples social and emotional well-being.
No
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2022
Jack Kafoa
Griffith Sciences
Jack is a talented problem solver, appreciating opportunities within engineering to develop not only himself, but the built environment.
No
OFPA
Young Alumnus—2022
Morwenna Collett
Arts, Education and Law
Morwenna is an international access expert on a mission to expand what disability in the arts looks like in Australia.
No
YAA
Young Alumnus—2022
Beny Bol OAM
Arts, Education and Law
Beny is dedicated to addressing youth issues and mentoring others.
Yes
YAA
Young Alumnus—2022
Tyson Tripcony
Griffith Health
Tyson is the founder, leader and manager of the most successful private practice dietetic company across Australia – Fuel Your Life (FYL).
No
YAA
Young Alumnus—2022
James Greig
Griffith Sciences
James is a serial entrepreneur taking his passion projects and turning them into successful businesses.
No
YAA
International Alumnus—2022
Dr Antoni Tsaputra
Arts, Education and Law
Antoni empowers individuals and organisations to implement policies and procedures to support those with disability.
Yes
IAA
International Alumnus—2022
Troy Yue
Griffith Business School
Troy is an education entrepreneur nurturing generations of international students to learn practical workplace skills, providing the tools for a successful career.
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2022
Dr Donald Christian
Griffith Health
Donald is passionate about medical research and teaching the next generation.
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2022
Dr Di Jiangli
Griffith Health
Jiangli is a women’s health advocate and researcher as well as a frontline COVID-19 health worker in China.
Yes
IAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2021
Andrew Hebbron
Griffith Business School
Director (Chief Superintendent), Queensland Ambulance Service
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2021
Captain Jan Becker AM
Griffith Sciences
CEO , Becker Helicopters Pilot Academy
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2021
Dr Mohit Tolani
Griffith Health
Lead Dentist and Practice Associate, Dapto Dentists
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2021
Joe Brumm
Arts, Education and Law
Creator and writer of the hit series, Bluey
Yes
OAA
First Peoples Alumnus—2021
Haylene Grogan
Griffith Business School
Chief Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Officer and Deputy Director-General
Yes
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2021
Professor Chris Matthews
Griffith Sciences
Education consultant and researcher
No
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2021
Dr Vanessa Lee - Ah Mat
Griffith Health
Senior Academic at The University of Sydney
No
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2021
DECEASED
Griffith Business School
Griffith University Cultural Sensitivity Warning
The Following profile and announcement contains images, and the name of a deceased person.
No
OFPA
Young Alumnus—2021
Lee Sin Tiew
Griffith Business School
Managing Director, Artivo Education Sdn Bhd
No
YAA
Young Alumnus—2021
Jordyn de Boer
Griffith Sciences
Co-founder of Boomerang Bags
No
YAA
Young Alumnus—2021
Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM
Griffith Health
Doctor, lawyer, disability advocate and spinal cord injury researcher.
Yes
YAA
Young Alumnus—2021
Eammon Ashton-Atkinson
Arts, Education and Law
U.S Correspondent, Video Journalist, Network 10
No
YAA
International Alumnus—2021
Dr Mubashar Hasan
Griffith Business School
Director, Pyrmont Consultants and Tutor at WEA Sydney
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2021
María Elena Barragán-Paladines
Griffith Sciences
Executive Director, Fundacion Herpetologica Gustavo Orces
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2021
Dr Bih-O (Becky) Lee
Griffith Health
Dean and Director of Doctoral Program in Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2021
Ahmed Athif
Arts, Education and Law
Lead Consultant, Voshufila Learning Center, Malé
Yes
IAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2020
Lyn Melcer
Griffith Business School
QSuper’s Head of Technical Advice
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2020
Nick Marshall
Griffith Health
Business owner and ambassador for special needs children.
Yes
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2020
Professor Cephas Lumina
Griffith Business School
Member, UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2020
Professor Andrew Knight
Griffith Sciences
Passionate advocate for animal welfare and ethics
No
OAA
First Peoples Alumnus—2020
Jayde Geia
Arts, Education and Law
Pioneering a new approach to law
No
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2020
Cameron Costello
Griffith Business School
First Peoples advocate
Yes
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2020
Dr Troy Byrnes
Griffith Sciences
Coastal Management expert
No
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2020
Dr Blake Jones
Griffith Health
Aspiring regional and rural physician
No
OFPA
Young Alumnus—2020
Dr Elise Stephenson
Griffith Business School
Bachelor of Asian and International Studies / Bachelor of Communication
Yes
YAA
Young Alumnus—2020
Dr Max Moody
Griffith Health
Dedicated to helping disadvantaged communities and mentoring others
No
YAA
Young Alumnus—2020
Dr Louise Ashton
Griffith Sciences
Bachelor of Science (Honours) / Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Conservation Biology
No
YAA
Young Alumnus—2020
Matthew Hanger
Arts, Education and Law
International feature film animator and industry mentor
No
YAA
International Alumnus—2020
Dr Jeff Thompson
Griffith Business School
Hostage negotiator, counsellor and mental health ambassador
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2020
Dr P. Rani Thanacoody
Arts, Education and Law
An international career in research and education
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2020
Zhariff Afandi
Griffith Health
Entrepreneur, author and UNICEF ambassador
Yes
IAA
International Alumnus—2020
Professor Norbert Lenz
Griffith Sciences
Bachelor of Science (Honours) / Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Conservation Biology
No
IAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2019
The Hon Justice Ian Freckelton QC
Arts, Education and Law
A distinguished 30 year career in law including oversight of some of the country's most complex cases of the time.
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2019
Dr Jennifer Cronin
Griffith Business School
Hotel openings, cyber-security threats and cultivating young talent is all in a day's work.
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2019
Dr Barry Kirby AO
Griffith Health
An unlikely hero in a landscape of overburdened and unsupported PNG healthcare workers.
Yes
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2019
Dr Peter Horne
Griffith Sciences
A career of applying science to agriculture has benefited international communities.
No
OAA
First Peoples Alumnus—2019
Pekeri Ruska
Arts, Education and Law
From the sand dunes of Stradbroke Island to the law courts of Victoria, social change is coming.
No
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2019
Dr Kerry Bodle
Griffith Business School
The first Indigenous Certified Practising Accountant who became an 'accidental' academic.
Yes
OFPA
First Peoples Alumnus—2019
Cassandra Nest
Griffith Health
Passed down learnings from the Ngunnawal women has led to cultural safe havens in the birthing suite.
No
OFPA
Young Alumnus—2019
Elizabeth Hamilton
Griffith Health
Armed with a goal to contribute to Global Health, Dr Elizabeth Hamilton is the 2018 Queensland Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University.
Yes
YAA
Young Alumnus—2019
Louise Bezzina
Arts, Education and Law
A desire to simply 'do something' led to the creation of a highly acclaimed cultural mecca.
No
YAA
Young Alumnus—2019
Sabrina Aripen
Griffith Business School
Changing the perceptions and expectations of parental care in Malaysia.
No
YAA
Young Alumnus—2019
Dr Johanna Nalau
Griffith Sciences
A facilitator of discourse about climate change nationally and abroad.
No
YAA
International Alumnus—2019
Aaron Bailey
Arts, Education and Law
Just one sentence triggered a life changing ripple effect for disabled learners.
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2019
Jacob Hansen Karaduman
Griffith Business School
Through the generation of 'warm leads' an entire industry has been changed.
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2019
Ricky Patlunag Bunayog
Arts, Education and Law
Facilitating and sustaining the peace through education and training.
No
IAA
International Alumnus—2019
Dr Hum Gurung
Griffith Sciences
An environmental mission has spread from a remote village to the world.
Yes
IAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2018
Katarina Carroll APM
Arts, Education and Law
Australia’s first female fire chief holds the torch for the next generation of leaders.
Yes
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2018
Amanda Hodges
Griffith Business School
Amanda Hodges has travelled the world as an international strategic business, investment and government affairs executive leader.
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2018
Professor Alan Cowman AC
Griffith Sciences
As Deputy Director and Head of Infection and Immunity at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Professor Alan Cowman gets to live and breathe his lifelong passion while working towards saving lives from malaria.
No
OAA
Outstanding Alumnus—2018
Gabrielle Quilliam
Griffith Health
Gabrielle Quilliam is an international thought leader in paediatric palliative care, and with her husband, co-founded the only children's hospice in Queensland, Hummingbird House.
No
OAA
First Peoples Alumnus—2018
Donisha Duff
Arts, Education and Law
Donisha Duff has worked tirelessly to improve pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as an advocate for health and supporter of girls’ and women’s educational and career opportunities.
No
OFPA
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