Alumni Impact Awards 2024

All nominations must be submitted via the application form and must:

• Include a 500–1000 word statement for each nomination that describes the nominee’s activity, outcomes and impact in relation to the category criteria 
• Include details that highlight how the alumni have demonstrated outstanding achievement
• Include copies of supporting materials including media coverage, articles and photographs
• Consider the University values: Collegiality (openness, respect, collaboration, trust) and Integrity (honesty, ethical behaviour, drive, accountability)
• Consider the University vision: Southern Cross University will be recognised for enriching our communities through the excellence of our scholarship and the achievements of our graduates.
• Consider the University mission: We equip our students to live a life they value and to be effective global citizens. We do this by creating inspirational and engaged learning experiences. We create and apply knowledge in partnership with our communities in fields that are regionally relevant and globally significant.
• Respond directly to each of the three category criteria and provide evidence (refer to FAQ below)

Anyone can nominate an alumnus for an award, alumni can also nominate peers or self-nominate.

Eligible Alumni:

• Must have graduated from Southern Cross University or its predecessor or partner institutions; and
• Be 35 years old or under (for Young Alumnus of the Year)
• Have graduated within the past 5 years (for Early Career Alumnus of the Year)
• Studied as an international student or at an international partner institution (for International Alumnus of the Year). 

Yes! You can nominate once more than one category (if self-nominating) or more than one alumni (if nominating others), so long as each nomination meets the specific criteria for each category.

A broad range of evidence of multiple types and sources are to be utilised to comprehensively demonstrate the impact of the work undertaken. Sources of evidence may include:

• Documented changes or impacts created as a result of the activity
• Feedback, testimonials or commendations
• External recognition of the value and/ or impact of the activity
• Awards or nominations
• Media coverage
• Photographs

Evidence that substantiates and demonstrates the extent of the achievement and its impact must be explicitly referenced in the written response and then attached as a supplement to the nomination.

Nominees should not include any additional information in attachments or use as an extension of the word limit.

Any evidence not specifically referred to in the text will not be considered.

Alumnus of the Year

• Contribution by a graduate that has significant benefit and impact
• Evidence of sustained leadership and achievement in a particular field
• Evidence that the contribution benefits society and/or the University community

Young Alumnus of the Year

• Contribution by a graduate 35 years or under
• Evidence of emerging leadership and achievement in a particular field
• Evidence that the contribution benefits society and/or the University community

International Alumnus of the Year

• Contribution by a graduate that has global impact and relevance
• Evidence of sustained leadership and achievement in a particular field
• Evidence that the contribution benefits society and/or the University community

Early Career Alumnus of the Year

• Contribution by a graduate within 5 years after the completion of their degree
• Evidence of significant career achievement in a particular field
• Evidence that the contribution benefits society and/or the University community

Community Impact Award

• Contribution towards addressing critical issues in communities
• Engagement of partners to understand and address issues collaboratively
• Evidence of enhanced community capacity and/or benefit

The University will award each Alumni Impact Award Recipient with a one-off monetary prize payment of $1000.

Led by the Vice Chancellor, the Selection Panel determines the finalists and award recipients for each category and includes members of the Executive team

Award recipients will be announced in November, 2022.