Beacon Bulletin, November 2023 Edition

Each month, we proudly showcase global achievements and milestones of our esteemed alumni. In this edition, join us in celebrating award winners, philanthropists, scholarship recipients, authors and hall of fame inductees. Email us at [email protected] to be included in a future edition.?

8 Alumni Winners at the TEACHX Awards?

Ranked Top 10 in Australia for teaching, Griffith University celebrates eight outstanding alumni recognised at the TEACHX Awards on October 26. These awards, since 2009, highlight the profound impact of teachers on Queensland's schools and early childhood communities. Congratulations to our alumni for shaping the future of education.?

• Tara Barron (B Primary Education ‘09)?
• Anthony Brieschke (B Technology Education ‘13)?
• Heather Crothers (B Fine Art ‘16; M Secondary Teaching ‘20)?
• Elizabeth Foster (B Education Secondary ‘97)?
• Brendan Growden (B Education Secondary ‘09)?
• Lissa Gyte (B Education Secondary ‘96)?
• Gregory Jessep (B Education Secondary ‘07)?

A special congratulations is extended to Leo Hopkinson (B Science (Environment) ‘92; Class of 2008, Graduate Diploma in Education) awarded the TEACHX Dr Joe McCorley OAM Outstanding Contribution to School Community Award for coordinating the Kokoda Youth Challenge for his school community.?

Read the full story here: Hats off to Griffith Education Alumni – Griffith News?

3 Alumni inducted into Hall of Fame

Katie Kelly OAM PLY GAICD graduated with a Bachelors in Leisure Management in 1996 and her outstanding contributions to para triathlon have earned her a well-deserved place in the Griffith Sports College Hall of Fame. As a remarkable athlete, Katie's achievements include being a Gold Medallist at the Triathlon Paralympics in Rio 2016, a 2x Paralympian (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020), and a 2x World Champion (2015). Beyond her athletic prowess, Katie is the Founder and Director of the Sport Access Foundation , contributing to the inclusivity of sports. She serves as a Board Member for Griffith University Inclusive Council and holds the title of Industry Fellow at Griffith University.??

Michael Shelley (B Business ‘11) is a proud inductee into the Griffith Sports College Hall of Fame for his exceptional contributions to marathon running. In his illustrious career, he clinched a silver medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, in just his second marathon. At the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Michael secured gold, showcasing his endurance and excellence. His global impact representing Australia with a 16th-place finish at the 2012 London Olympics and 46th at the 2016 Rio Olympics. In 2018, he added another gold to his collection at the prestigious Gold Coast Marathon, solidifying his status as a marathon champion.?

Shannon Parry (B Education ‘10) stands proudly in the Griffith Sports College Hall of Fame for her exceptional contributions to Rugby 7s. Shannon's remarkable journey in the sport includes being a crucial member of the 2010 Wallaroos World Cup team, securing a commendable 3rd place. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she not only claimed a gold medal but also co-captained the team. In 2017, Shannon was honoured with the captaincy of the Wallaroos and showcased her leadership prowess. Her achievements further include a silver at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, and she continued to inspire at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.??

See all Griffith Sports College Hall of Fame inductees: Hall of Fame (griffith.edu.au)?

2 Inspirational Doctors receive Prestigious Scholarships

Dr Dinesh Palipana , a Griffith University MD graduate, has been awarded the prestigious General Sir John Monash Scholarship for 2024. As a trailblazer, he overcame quadriplegia to become the first quadriplegic medical intern in Queensland. Currently a researcher, senior lecturer, lawyer, and disability advocate, Dinesh will pursue a Masters in Internal Medicine at the University of Edinburgh and Royal College of Physicians Edinburgh. His commitment to inclusivity in medical education is truly inspiring.?

Dr Praneel Kumar, a Bachelor of Medical Science ‘16 and MD graduate, has earned the prestigious General Sir John Monash Scholarship for 2024. Passionate about enhancing maternal health care, Dr. Kumar, an obstetrics doctor, will pursue a Masters of Public Health at John Hopkins University. Troubled by global pregnancy complication statistics, he aims to lead transformative change and improve maternal health outcomes in disadvantaged communities in Australia and the region.?

Read the full story here: Inspirational Doctors receive Prestigious Scholarships – Griffith News?

Griffith Graduate releases new book

Leisl Kaberry holds a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice ‘19 from Griffith University. While she never envisioned herself as a writer, Leisl Kaberry defied her early beliefs and has just launched her latest book, "Shadows of Darkness," an exciting addition to her sci-fi fantasy trilogy, the Titanian Chronicles. Hailing from the heart of Australia, Leisl currently resides in Kelowna, British Columbia, with her family, dogs, cat, and a diverse array of wildlife.?

Read more about Leisl’s writing journey here: The fantasy of a lifetime (griffith.edu.au)?

3 graduates honoured at the Australian China Alumni Association (ACAA) Alumni Awards

The Australia China Alumni Association Awards are now in their fifteenth year celebrating excellence in Australian tertiary education. They recognise the significant achievements of Australian-educated alumni across a range of categories and the contributions the alumni make in strengthening ties between each country.????

• Dr Roger Cui (D Musical Arts ’22, GCert Music Studies ’11, B Music ’10) was announced as the 2023 winner of the Arts and Creative Industries Award.??
• Associate Professor Wuqi Qiu (PhD ’17, MSc Public Health ’08) was announced as the 2023 winner of the Study Queensland Award.?
• Peter Osborne (B Science Environment ’80) was announced as the Major Corporate Achievement Award and also received a Judges Commendation for the Study Queensland Award.?

With three overall winners in this year’s awards, Griffith alumni were the most awarded of any Australian university.?

Read more about our winners here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/showcase/90578086/admin/feed/posts/??

Uncle Phil advocates for Brighter Futures Scholarship program

Uncle Phil, a proud Gomeroi man, is a prominent Indigenous leader and a powerful advocate for education. With an honorary doctorate from Griffith University, Uncle Phil sees the Brighter Futures Scholarship program as an opportunity to give back to Griffith and repay the support he's received over the years.??

“I’m not a rich man but lots of hands make light work. I would urge alumni to stay connected to Griffith University and give back, not just financially but by mentoring and providing a safety network for students. I believe alumni should remember their own struggles and actively support the next generation in their educational and professional journeys”.?

Read the full interview with Uncle Phil here: https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/uncle-phil-duncan-story-passion-cultural-heritage-ubr6c%3FtrackingId=6msJEALGShCOjVccuZcSqg%253D%253D/?trackingId=6msJEALGShCOjVccuZcSqg%3D%3D??