CASS alumni recognised for contributions and excellence

Two ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences alumni and a current student, have been honoured at the 2016 ANU Alumni of the Year awards.

 

Lieutenant General (Retired) David Morrison AO, the current Australian of the Year, won 2016 Alumnus of the Year. 

 

David graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1979, having studied English literature and History. He joined the Australian Army, and served 36 years including as Chief of Army. He has received major awards from the US, Singaporean and French governments.

 

David couldn’t attend the alumni ceremony at Old Parliament House, but in a video message, described being awarded 2016 Alumnus of the Year as being an extraordinary honour and a great privilege.

 

“My time at ANU was a pivotal moment in my life, no doubt,” David said.

 

“I think I probably started what has now been a lifelong journey into exploring what literature and the study of history can give you during the passage of life, and I’m deeply grateful to the ANU for starting me on that journey.”

 

Alumna of the Year - Research or Academic (Humanities) went to Emeritus Professor Elizabeth Minchin, a stalwart of the Classics discipline for more than 40 years and curator of the ANU Classics Museum. Elizabeth’s research is primarily focused on the Homeric epics and memory. She was recognised for teaching excellence in 2013 and inducted as a Senior Fellow of the UK-based Higher Education Academy. 

 

Elizabeth completed her first Bachelor of Arts at the University of Sydney. She earned her second, as well as a Masters and a PhD in Ancient Greek literature, at ANU in the 1980s.

 

Elizabeth was honoured and surprised by the prize.

 

“It has led me to reflect on my long and rich association with the ANU population: the fine teachers I encountered in my studies; my excellent supervisor, who oversaw both my Masters and my PhD; the good friends I have made along the way; and the lively and engaging and competent Classics students that my colleagues and I have sent out, year after year, into the wider world,” Elizabeth said.

 

School of History PhD candidate, Jessa Rogers, was awarded Postgraduate Student of the Year. 

 

Jessa’s story is one of hard work and defying the odds. She fell pregnant at 16 but was determined to give her child the best opportunities possible via an education. Jessa gained her high school certificate and then a Bachelor’s degree and a Masters degree. 

 

Jessa, whose cultural ties are to the Wiradjuri and Darkinjung nations, received the 2014 ANU Vice-Chancellor's Award for Reconciliation. Now, alongside completing her PhD research, Jessa is the inaugural Principal of the Girl Academy in Cape York – Australia’s first boarding school for young mothers and their children.

 

“All of our staff work incredibly hard to make sure that every day we have these girls is a day we can empower them, make changes for their futures and inspire them to be the best people they can be,” Jessa said.

 

Dean Professor Paul Pickering said he was delighted by the success of the College’s Arts and Humanities alumni.

 

“I congratulate Lt. Gen. Morrison, Emeritus Professor Minchin, and Jessa Rogers on their awards,” Paul said.

 

“All three individuals have made outstanding contributions to the Australian community and are stellar representatives of the College. 

 

“They are a testament to the calibre of the research and teaching excellence of the College.”

 

The award for 2016 International Alumnus of the Year was bestowed on Datuk Dr Paul Chan, Co-Founder, Vice Chancellor and President of HELP (Higher Education Learning Philosophy) University in Malaysia.

 

The alumni trophies were designed and provided by alumnus Robert Foster of F!nk Design. Robert completed a Bachelor of Arts (Hons‘86) and was a joint recipient of the 2015 Alumnus of the Year (Innovation & Entrepreneurship). 

 

Below are some photos from the awards gala dinner. Photo credit: Adam Da Cruz.