This blog was written by Semester two intern, Monty.
A thank you to those who make La Trobe feel like home.
1. Alicia Hendrie & Hayley Allen – Student Voice and Partnerships (Student as Partners)
The Students as Partners initiative connects staff and students to co-design solutions for a better university experience. From advisory groups to student grants, they champion student-led change across the board. If they can’t directly help you with any university related issue, they’ll make sure they connect you with the person who can, whether you’re a staff member or a student.
Alicia and Hayley gave me my first job opportunity at uni – a stepping stone to many more. Alicia was the first staff member who truly saw me beyond just another student ID. Through her, I met Hayley, and they joke they’re “just one person.” Together, they’ve been my sounding board and safe space: always kind, always real.
2. Dr. Biju Philip – Teaching and Research, La Trobe Business School
Known for winning the 2025 Teaching & Learning Award by La Trobe Business School, Dr. Philip empowers students beyond textbooks especially in management and sales. He’s known for sharp insights, honest feedback, and a genuine desire to shape futures. Always available for a coffee with a student and if you bump into him, make sure you get 10 minutes of his time for a chat about your career.
His mentorship changed my idea of what a professor could be. He taught me life lessons disguised as coursework and I left his class with more than a grade.
3. Alysia Rex – Student Life and Leadership programs
Alysia ensures that life outside the lecture hall is just as meaningful. From clubs and international student programs to leadership pathways, she supports students to build community and personal confidence. If you’ve taken part in any extra-curricular activities you may have bumped into Alysia. Now, she even helps us access our favourite campus spot: the Clubhouse.
My ‘mother’ figure on campus and has helped me land two of my proudest roles – Senior Leader and Student Storyteller and always made time for me, even with a packed schedule.
4. Carla King – Student Partnerships
The engine behind the La Trobe Leaders Program, Carla guides students through leadership, engagement and co-creation. She never micromanages – she empowers. Mentorship, Student Welcome or Student Engagement – it’s all Carla and you’ll be lucky to work with her.
While she managed the massive Leadership Conference 2025, she made us feel like equal collaborators. Every idea was welcomed, and behind every success, Carla was the quiet force pushing us forward. This is the biggest reason being a Senior Leader has been so enriching for me.
5. Dr. Geoff Dickson – Centre for Sport and Social Impact
Dr. Dickson is the go-to for anything sport-related at La Trobe. With a global reputation in sport research, he still treats every student like a future colleague. His workshops blend knowledge with life advice, and every chat feels like time well spent. He won’t spoon-feed you, but he’ll always show up when it counts.
When people talk about the teachers who shaped their lives – they’re talking about people like Geoff. He told us on day 1: “In 12 weeks, you’ll be more employable than you were when you walked in.” That was true for me in every way. I left his class job-ready and inspired.
6. Andrew Pettigrove & David Chadzynski – Sport Partnerships
Andrew and David are the backbone of La Trobe’s Sports Centre. Whether it’s securing gym deals, running events like Run La Trobe or Wings for Life, or building community, they keep the campus moving and motivated.
I’ve worked with them across multiple events and even in the smallest tasks, they made me feel seen, appreciated and eager to do more.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt, it’s that the people who work behind the scenes at uni often end up being the biggest part of your journey. Taking the time to get to know staff can open doors you didn’t even know existed. From mentorship to job opportunities, from guidance to just having someone in your corner, the right staff can shape your path in incredible ways.
Behind every role or title, there’s someone who genuinely wants to see you thrive, just like they did for me.
My advice? Don’t be shy. Ask for help, say thank you, have that extra chat after class. You never know which conversation might change your path: I didn’t, until it did.