Alumni and Community

Past UQ Alumni Award winners

Each year, The University of Queensland celebrates the diverse achievements of our alumni with a suite of alumni awards.

These awards recognise the achievements of alumni who have accomplished outstanding success in their fields and made exemplary contributions to their community. Browse our past winners below.

You can also learn more about our UQ Alumni Awards here. 

  • Anne-Marie Birkill
    Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award
    2025
    Awarded for pioneering investments in science and technology, advancing innovation and championing women’s leadership in business.
  • Arthur Liu
    Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award
    2025
    Awarded for significant contributions to property development, philanthropy and cultural leadership.
  • Elizabeth Jameson AM
    Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award
    2025
    Awarded for outstanding service to education, the arts and community governance.
  • Lis Wiehl
    Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award
    2025
    Awarded for excellence in legal analysis and contributions to literature.
  • Alastair Blenkin
    Distinguished Young Alumni Award
    2025
    Awarded for transforming construction procurement and leadership in technology entrepreneurship.
  • Anna Podolsky
    Distinguished Young Alumni Award
    2025
    Awarded for transforming Australia’s pet food industry through sustainable innovation and responsible entrepreneurship.
  • Hannah Ferguson
    Distinguished Young Alumni Award
    2025
    Awarded for pioneering accessible, critically engaged media that advances insightful social commentary and engages diverse audiences.
  • James Gillespie
    Distinguished Young Alumni Award
    2025
    Awarded for exposing healthcare accessibility gaps and influencing government reforms to improve affordable care.
  • Her Excellency Winnie Kiap CBE
    International Alumnus of the Year
    2025
    Awarded for distinguished diplomatic service, championing gender inclusion and elevating Papua New Guinea’s international profile.
  • Kevin Smith
    Indigenous Community Impact Award
    2025
    Awarded for leadership in native title law, advancing Indigenous land rights and fostering reconciliation through effective governance.
  • Professor Jeffrey Dunn AO
    Colleges' UQ Alumni Award
    2025
    Awarded for outstanding leadership in oncology research, medical administration and global cancer control initiatives.
  • Image of a man seated, he is smiling at the camera, he wears a blue business suit.
    Dr Brett Robinson
    UQ Alumnus of the Year (created by Alumni Friends)
    2025
    Awarded for leadership in rugby governance, advocacy for player welfare and contributions to healthcare and education.
  • Quinn Jones
    UQ Graduate of the Year (created by Alumni Friends)
    2025
    Awarded for outstanding academic achievement and contributions to cultural heritage preservation in partnership with community.
  • Julia Spicer OAM
    Gatton Gold Medal
    2025
    Awarded for advancing regional development, sustainability and entrepreneurship, strengthening rural and remote Australian communities.
  • Nick Politis AM
    Contribution to Sport Alumni Award
    2025
    Awarded for longstanding leadership in rugby league, sports marketing innovation and philanthropic contributions to community health and sport.
  • Dr Jillann Farmer
    Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award
    2024
    Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for global leadership in health, alongside many accomplishments as a medical practitioner.
  • Elisabeth Bowes PSM
    Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award
    2024
    Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for strengthening economic, political and cultural relationships between Australia and the United Kingdom.
  • Ellie Buttrose
    Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award
    2024
    Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for outstanding contributions to art curatorship, advancing Australia’s cultural interests and contributions on the global stage.
  • Scott Hutchinson
    Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award
    2024
    Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for outstanding contributions to the building and construction industry, and as a philanthropist and sustainability advocate.
  • Beny Bol OAM
    Vice-Chancellor's Alumni Excellence Award
    2024
    Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award for exemplary leadership in community and youth engagement, including expanding access to education.

Pages