SHELLIE LEADS CDU’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST
Charles Darwin University has built up a well-deserved reputation for graduates who not only go on enriching careers but also contribute greatly to the betterment of their communities.
This was demonstrated at the 2022 Alumni Awards, which showcase the best and brightest former students who have become leaders and innovators – and have demonstrated excellence throughout their careers.
The awards highlighted the breadth of talent by honouring graduates ranging from a renowned singer to a robotics entrepreneur.
CDU’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman congratulated the winners and nominees on their outstanding achievements.
“It was a spectacular evening and a privilege to learn about what our creative, innovative and passionate alumni have achieved since graduating,” he says.
“These alumni represent some of the university’s many graduates who are making waves across Australia and internationally. We can all be proud of their success and the future looks brighter with them.”
Yanyuwa and Wardaman woman Dr Shellie Morris, who graduated from the Northern Territory University – now CDU – with a Certificate III in Contemporary Music, won the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Indigenous Alumni Award.
She uses her talent to share musical wledge, advocacy and empowering First Nations people to tell their stories through song.
A Special Commendation for the Indigenous Alumni Award went to Yawuru woman and emerging, internationally recognised Aboriginal researcher Dr Kalinda Griffiths, who completed a Master of Public Health at CDU in 2010. The award was sponsored by Newmont Australia.
A Special Commendation for the Indigenous Alumni Award went to Yawuru woman and emerging, internationally recognised Aboriginal researcher Dr Kalinda Griffiths, who completed a Master of Public Health at CDU in 2010. The award was sponsored by Newmont Australia.
The award was sponsored by the Northern Territory Government. Darwin-born Joel Benesha, a former CDU Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) student, won the Alumni Award for Early Career Achievement. He is only 24 but is the Director of Companies at Benesha Robotics and Reality Creation TV.
Joel entered the information technology and engineering industry at just 18. A Special Commendation for the Alumni Award for Early Career Achievement went to Darwin’s Onkar Sharma, who started his own business in 2020 only two years after completing a Certificate III in Baking. The award was sponsored by NEC Australia.
CDU Doctor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship alumnus Norman Evans was awarded the Alumni Award for Industry Excellence.
He runs a business incubator, has worked in corporate and not-for-profit roles, and is one of the founders of the Angel Association in New Zealand, where he is based. The award was sponsored by Halikos. Angelo Trias was recognised with the International Alumni Award.
He is a Singapore-based project manager with Interpol, the International Criminal Police Organisation, after completing a Master of Emergency and Disaster Management from CDU in 2017. A Special Commendation for the International Alumni Award went to 2016 Bachelor of Humanitarian and Community Studies graduate Guilhermina de Araujo, who is based in East Timor.
The award was sponsored by Allianz Care. There were 28 finalists in this year’s awards, which were held at the Darwin Convention Centre, with ABC Radio Darwin breakfast presenter Jo Laverty as MC and entertainment by The Kicks featuring Natalie Pellegrino. CDU’s Alumni Manager David MacBain says it was an exceptional night to honour the university’s finest graduates. “The awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding professional, academic and research achievements and contributions of our alumni,” he says. “We applaud all of the winners, finalists and nominees and celebrate their achievements in and outside of the university.
This was demonstrated at the 2022 Alumni Awards, which showcase the best and brightest former students who have become leaders and innovators – and have demonstrated excellence throughout their careers.
The awards highlighted the breadth of talent by honouring graduates ranging from a renowned singer to a robotics entrepreneur.
CDU’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman congratulated the winners and nominees on their outstanding achievements.
“It was a spectacular evening and a privilege to learn about what our creative, innovative and passionate alumni have achieved since graduating,” he says.
“These alumni represent some of the university’s many graduates who are making waves across Australia and internationally. We can all be proud of their success and the future looks brighter with them.”
Yanyuwa and Wardaman woman Dr Shellie Morris, who graduated from the Northern Territory University – now CDU – with a Certificate III in Contemporary Music, won the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Indigenous Alumni Award.
She uses her talent to share musical knowledge, advocacy and empowering First Nations people to tell their stories through song.
A Special Commendation for the Indigenous Alumni Award went to Yawuru woman and emerging, internationally recognised Aboriginal researcher Dr Kalinda Griffiths, who completed a Master of Public Health at CDU in 2010. The award was sponsored by Newmont Australia.
The award was sponsored by Allianz Care.
There were 28 finalists in this year’s awards, which were held at the Darwin Convention Centre, with ABC Radio Darwin breakfast presenter Jo Laverty as MC and entertainment by The Kicks featuring Natalie Pellegrino.
CDU’s Alumni Manager David MacBain says it was an exceptional night to honour the university’s finest graduates.
“The awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding professional, academic and research achievements and contributions of our alumni,” he says.
“We applaud all of the winners, finalists and nominees and celebrate their achievements in and outside of the university.”
ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS
Community Service – sponsored by Northern Territory Government
Alina Biju
Early Career Achievement – sponsored by NEC
Joel Benesha
Special commendation:
Onkar Sharma
Indigenous Alumni Award Recipients – sponsored by Newmont Australia
Michelle “Shellie” Morris
Special commendation:
Kalinda Griffiths
Industry Excellence Recipients – sponsored by Halikos Norman Evans International – sponsored by
Allianz Care
Angelo Trias
Special commendation:
Guilhermina de Araujo