Alumni awards
Monash IT graduates make a difference. Our Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and exceptional qualities of Monash alumni worldwide.
We take great pride in the distinguished service, achievements and successes of our alumni.
Distinguished Alumni Awards - Meet our recipients
Monash introduced the Distinguished Alumni Awards in 2014.
2020 – Dr Ori Allon
Dr Ori Allon holds a Bachelor of Computing and a Master of Information Technology from Monash University and a Doctor of Philosophy in computer science from the University of New South Wales.
Dr Allon is a technologist and entrepreneur who, throughout his career, has built software-driven businesses that generate personalised experiences for the everyday consumer. In 2012 he co-founded Compass. Headquartered in New York City, with engineering hubs in several major cities, Compass is now the technology leader in real estate.
2019 – Maryanne Diamond AO
Maryanne completed the Graduate Diploma of Computing at Monash in 1978. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematical Statistics.
Throughout her life, Maryanne has been breaking down barriers. Born blind, it was assumed she could only pursue certain careers. And as a woman, she met resistance when entering STEM.
Having overcome her adversities, Maryanne is now the General Manager Stakeholder Engagement at the NDIS, where she empowers and lobbies for people with disabilities.
2018 – Ben Werther
Ben Werther holds a B.Comp(Hons) from Monash University and a M.S. in Computer Science from Stanford University. Werther has a passion for high-tech entrepreneurship and the art and science of creating great technology products and business-focused software companies that matter.
Ben Werther was the Founder, CEO and Executive Chairman of Platfora, a Big Data Analytics software company that he founded in Silicon Valley in 2011.
2017 – Owen Kerr
Owen Kerr commenced a Bachelor of Business Systems in the Faculty of Information Technology at Monash University in 2002. In 2003 he received a Monash Scholarship in the Industry Based Learning program and he graduated in 2005.
Kerr is the Director of Pepperstone, one of the largest foreign exchange broker/dealers in the world.
2016 – Ben Heyes
Ben Heyes (BComp LLM GradDipBanking) is passionate about the possibilities of technology and the application to societal enhancement and trust in the digital economy. He believes in creativity, innovation and the utilisation of both art and science.
Heyes is the Chief Information Security and Trust Officer at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.
2015 – Suja Chandrasekaran
Suja Chandrasekaran is a technology leader with a career that has spanned across multiple continents including Australia, North America/USA, Latin America and Europe, and has led some of the world’s greatest retail and CPG organisations. Serving as SVP, Global Chief Technology Officer and Chief Data Officer at Walmart Stores nc., Chandrasekaran leads engineering, technology and digital transformation for Walmart US, Sam’s Club and Walmart International.
2014 – Kee Wong
Entrepreneur Kee Wong (BEng 1986, GradDipCOmp 1989, MBA 1999) is the founder and the Managing Director of e-Centric Innovations, a management and technology consulting company which provides strategic advice and systems integration services in e-business and IT.