Postgraduate Prize: A Legacy of Giving Back to Monash Law
Monash Law alumnus and prize donor Mark Hayes with Best Research Publication winner, Dr Neerav Srivastava and Emeritus Professor HP Lee at the 2023 Postgraduate Prize Ceremony.
Mark Hayes graduated the Bachelor of Laws (Hons) with first class honours in 1982 and has maintained a close connection with his alma mater ever since. One of his favourite connections with Monash Law is through membership of a group of former students who sponsor one of the annual postgraduate prizes.
The Emeritus Professor HP Lee Student’s Publication Prize is awarded each year to a student studying a Higher Degree by Research, such as PhD. This award is supported by Robin Campbell, Jane Hodder, Katherine Sampson and Mark Hayes.
Surprisingly, these four weren’t all students in the Faculty of Law at the same time, however their alumni journey has brought them together to form a bond that connects them socially, professionally and academically.
Emeritus Professor HP Lee, Best Research Publication winner, Dr Rosemary Langford and Jane Hodder at the 2016 Postgraduate Prize Ceremony.
A shared vision for legal education excellence
Mark Hayes was brought together with fellow alumni Robin Campbell, Jane Hodder, and Katherine Sampson by the Monash Law Foundation. This Foundation was established during the tenure of Dean of Law, Professor Bob Williams, from a foundation grant donated by three different banks.
“ What we as the Foundation did was look at how we might allocate income from the corpus, whether in the form of scholarships or grants,” remembered Hayes.
The four alumni ultimately finished as members of the Foundation but that didn’t end their commitment to the Law Faulty.
"We decided as a group that it would be a good idea to continue supporting the Law Faculty in some way and to stick together as a group and meet from time to time."
Established in late 1989, the Monash Law Foundation provided funds for scholarships. This clipping comes from the December 1 issue of Monash Reporter: A Magazine for the University.
Honouring a Mentor and Friend
The decision to support the Emeritus Professor HP Lee Student's Publication Prize was a natural fit for Hayes and his colleagues, all of whom had a personal connection with Professor Lee.
"He had taught me as an undergraduate," recalled Hayes.
“I did Constitutional Law in about 1979 and I was lectured initially by a man named Bob Miller, who was a bit of a rock star in the Law Faculty. A rock star because he'd previously played football for Melbourne and had won Labor preselection for the seat of Prahran.”
“ Sure enough, the election was held and he won, so he ceased lecturing at Monash.”
It was into this chasm that Monash Law PhD alumnus Hoong Phun Lee boldly stepped in.
“ I remember him as very clear, very helpful, hardworking and pragmatic in everything that he did,” said Hayes.
Law Researchers Emeritus Professor Hoong Phun Lee and Peter Hanks KC, with study on national security in 1983.
A Thriving Community of Scholars
For Hayes, now a Partner at the law firm Maddocks, the primary reason for supporting the Law Faculty financially is to give back to his alma mater which provided him with so much. The secondary reason for being a benefactor is the personal enrichment he experiences in the process through a social connection.
“ My recollection is that we had a lunch or a dinner and we spoke about how we might support the Law Faculty, and that's where the idea took off,” said Hayes.
“So, an incidental reason for supporting the Law Faculty is the fact that it enables us to keep in touch with one another, and, even though not as regularly as we would like, to catch up as a group.”
Attending the prize ceremonies is an annual highlight, offering a chance to reconnect with this group and to meet the next generation of legal scholars and practitioners.
"The Emeritus Professor HP Lee Student’s Publication Prize tends to be awarded to more mature students because it is research-based," said Hayes.
"But the ceremony also includes prizes for postgraduate students, and it's always inspiring to hear their stories and their view of the law."
Katherine Sampson with Mahlab Recruitment Prize for Ethics in Legal Practice 2017 winner Emily Morison.
A Call to Action for Alumni
Hayes's dedication to Monash Law is deeply rooted in his own experiences as a student.
"There is something about Monash Law’s culture and ethos that continues to resonate with me," he reflects.
"It's not just about memories. it's about what I think it stands for - excellence in teaching, interest in social justice, and a continuing desire to question the status quo."
He encourages other alumni to reconnect with the Law Faculty and consider giving back.
"Supporting the prize gives us a good excuse to get together socially, but more importantly, it involves giving back, which we are all keen to do."
Best Research Publication winner, Greg Byrne with Robin Campbell at the 2022 Postgraduate Prize Ceremony.
Continuing the Tradition
As Hayes looks to the future, he remains committed to supporting Monash Law and is now aligning the next generation of his family with the Law School. His son recently completed his law degree at Monash, providing Hayes with a renewed appreciation for the Law Faculty's commitment to excellence.
"Through him, I've seen the excellence of the teaching and the opportunities given to students," said Hayes.
For alumni who may have lost their connection with Monash Law, Hayes offers a simple message: "Reconnect with the Law Faculty. You'll find it mutually rewarding."
Email the Marketing & Engagement team to find out more about becoming an alumni donor