Celebrating our alumni
From Left: Chris Varney, Kevin Magee, Tan Le, John Bertrand AM, Professor Gabor Kovacs AM, Dr Peter Rogers
Monash University has celebrated the leadership and achievements of its alumni and student communities at the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Awards.
The awards, held last night at the Regent Theatre’s Plaza Ballroom, saw international yachtsman, businessman and philanthropist Mr John Bertrand AM (BE(Hons) 1970) presented with the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Lifetime Achievement Award by Monash University Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel AM.
Mr Bertrand is best known as the skipper of Australia II – the yacht that won the America's Cup in 1983. He has successfully established businesses in the marine, property development and media industries and is currently the chairman of the Alannah and Madeline Children’s Foundation, a world leader in anti-bullying, child safety and wellbeing programs.
The Distinguished Alumni Professional Achievement Award was presented to two alumni: IVF pioneer Professor Gabor Kovacs AM (MBBS(Hons) 1971, MD 1995) and Australian diplomat Mr Kevin Magee (BA(Hons) 1983, LLB 1985).
Professor Kovacs is currently the International Medical Director of Monash IVF, and has had a distinguished career both in general obstetrics and gynaecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
Mr Magee was recently appointed the Australian representative to Taiwan and Head of the Australian Commerce and Industry Office Taipei. His ability to produce results in culturally diverse environments has furthered trade and other economic and diplomatic links with the countries in which he has served.
The 2011 Distinguished Alumni Service Award was presented to long-time Monash volunteer and engineer Dr Peter Rogers (BE 1967, PhD 1974). Dr Rogers is currently the chairman of the Monash Engineering Foundation. The Foundation aims to encourage and promote excellence in education, study, teaching and research in the Faculty of Engineering at Monash University.
Technology entrepreneur, business executive and sought-after speaker Ms Tan Le (BCom(Hons), LLB(Hons) 2000) received the Distinguished Young Alumni award.
Ms Le is founder and CEO of Emotiv Lifesciences, a bioinformatics company focused on identifying biomarkers in the brain for mental and other neurological conditions using electroencephalography.
Mr Chris Varney, a current Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws student and youth ambassador with World Vision, received the Alumni Student Award.
Alumni Relations director Louise McCarthy said the event was an outstanding success.
“It was a fabulous night and a great way to honour the achievements of our alumni community,” Ms McCarthy said.
“I would like to thank our sponsors Google and the Monash Academy of Performing Arts for their support.”
This year’s Master of Ceremonies was Melbourne Lord Mayor, the Right Honourable Robert Doyle (BA 1976, BEd 1984).
Students from the School of Music – Conservatorium in the Faculty of Arts and the Monash University Academy of Performing Arts provided musical performances throughout the night.