Nominate alumni for awards

At La Trobe University we take great pride in recognising the exceptional achievements of our alumni. It is inspiring to see so many La Trobe graduates making lasting contributions on a local, national and global level.

Each year we present a select number of Distinguished Alumni and Young Achiever awards to those who have demonstrated significant personal, community and professional achievements.

2022 recipients

The 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients include:

  • Philip Cleary, author, broadcaster, anti-domestic violence campaigner and former independent Australian politician and footballer;
  • Dr Cynthia Brown, prominent businesswoman, speaker, researcher and non-executive director of the Brown Family Wine Group;
  • Geoff Wilson AO, senior investor and founder of Wilson Asset Management;
  • Adjunct Professor Ann Maree Keenan, health leader and former Victorian Chief Nurse and Midwifery Officer;
  • Roger Gillespie OAM, co-founder and chairman of Australia’s most successful bakery franchise, Bakers Delight; and
  • Paul Joss, Albury-Wodonga leader and Joss Group Managing Director.

La Trobe is also thrilled to recognise the success of 2022 Young Achiever Award recipients:

  • Senator Jana Stewart, Labor’s first Aboriginal Senator for Victoria; and
  • Laura Henshaw, co-founder and CEO of global health and wellness community Keep It Cleaner (KIC).

To nominate someone for either a Distinguished Alumni Award or a Young Achiever Award, please download and complete the nomination pack.

Nominations are now open and will close on Thursday 22 June 2023. Late nominations will not be accepted but may be held over until the following year.

Please note:

  • Nominators must act as one of the two referees for the nominee.
  • Nominators do not need to be graduates of La Trobe University.
  • All four selection criteria must be addressed in detail for a nomination to be considered.
  • Written submissions longer than two pages will not be considered.
  • Resumes longer than six pages will not be considered.

Download nomination form [DOCX 157KB] or Download nomination form [PDF 220KB]

To nominate, please download and complete the nomination pack. Then email or post the completed nomination form and associated documentation to us.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognises La Trobe University alumni who have demonstrated significant accomplishments in their personal and professional life, or for service to their community, state or nation.

Eligibility and selection criteria

Nominees must be an alumnus or alumna of La Trobe University (or an antecedent institution) who have, over an extensive and sustained period of time, demonstrated professional or personal success in all four of the following areas:

Outstanding professional achievements

a. Recognised as a leader/expert in their field.
b. Significant achievement(s) throughout their career.
c. Evidence of ethical and/or innovative sustainable approaches used.

Significant community service achievements

a. Support of, and significant involvement in, the local community in a voluntary capacity.
b. Dedication of significant personal/professional time for charitable/community support activities.

Inspirational leadership within their fields of expertise

a. Mentoring employees/younger people inside or outside their organisation.
b. Advocacy of access and diversity within their organisations and across their field.
c. Encouraging corporate philanthropy and community support.
d. Providing leadership within and across their respective industries.

Outstanding personal qualities

a. Engaging in, or enabling personal philanthropy.
b. Providing inspiration and leadership to others through personal examples and role modelling.
c. Success in the face of adversity.

Download nomination form [DOCX 157KB] or Download nomination form [PDF 220KB]

To nominate, please download and complete the nomination pack. Then email or post the completed nomination form and associated documentation to us.

The Young Achiever Award recognises outstanding alumni aged 35 years or younger. It is awarded to those who have achieved significant career success within a relatively short period of time.

Eligibility and selection criteria

Nominees must be an alumnus or alumna of La Trobe University (or an antecedent institution) who have demonstrated professional or personal success in ALL FOUR of the following areas:

Outstanding professional achievements

a. Recognised as a leader/expert in their field.
b. Significant achievement(s) throughout their career.
c. Evidence of ethical and/or innovative sustainable approaches used.

Significant community service achievements

a. Support of, and significant involvement in, the local community in a voluntary capacity.
b. Dedication of significant personal/professional time for charitable/community support activities.

Inspirational leadership within their fields of expertise

a. Mentoring employees/younger people inside or outside their organisation.
b. Advocacy of access and diversity within their organisations and across their field.
c. Encouraging corporate philanthropy and community support.
d. Providing leadership within and across their respective industries.

Outstanding personal qualities

a. Engaging in, or enabling personal philanthropy.
b. Providing inspiration and leadership to others through personal examples and role modelling.
c. Success in the face of adversity.

Download nomination form [DOCX 157KB] or Download nomination form [PDF 220KB]

To nominate, please download and complete the nomination pack. Then email or post the completed nomination form and associated documentation to us.

La Trobe University has established a Selection Committee which will consider all nominations received by the advertised closing date. Please note that under no circumstances will late applications be accepted.

The Selection Committee is Chaired by either the Chancellor, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Industry Engagement) or the Provost, who is assisted by a number of senior La Trobe staff.

The Selection Committee will rank all nominations against the above nomination criteria and make a recommendation to the La Trobe University Council for endorsement.

In exceptional circumstances, when the traditional Distinguished Alumni Award and Young Alumni Award are not suitable, nominations will be considered for a Chancellor's Award. Nominations will be reviewed by the Selection Committee as part of the usual Awards process, using the existing criteria.

Once approved by Council, the successful candidates and their nominators will be informed.

Confidentiality

The information submitted will be used by La Trobe University in connection with the administration of the award only. All information will remain confidential.

Nominations are open to all alumni, no matter where in the world they are based.

If you have any questions regarding the process or the awards themselves, please contact us.

Alumni and Advancement Office - T: 1300 737 133 or +61 (0)3 9479 2011

E: alumni@latrobe.edu.au