Past award winners
Discover our wonderful alumni award winners from previous years and be inspired by their stories.
2025 Deakin University Alumni Awards
On 2 April, Deakin Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin announced the recipients of the 2025 Alumni Awards. Recognised for their outstanding contributions, this year’s recipients are creating real impact in their fields while strengthening the University and their wider communities.
Meet the 2025 recipients, read their notes of thanks and nominate someone for the 2026 Awards on the Alumni Awards website.
Alumni Excellence Award winners
Diana Taylor AM
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts, 1999
Faculty of Business and Law, Faculty of Arts and Education
Diana is a respected lawyer and business and community leader who was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2024 for her service to Australian Rules football and to Geelong. She is the Chair of the Geelong Authority, Chair of Anam Cara House Geelong, past Vice President of the Geelong Football Club and a Deakin University advisor, donor and mentor.
Steve Chun Yin LO
Bachelor of Computer Science, 2005
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Steve is the founder of Wheel for Oneness, which empowers individuals living with a disability through sports, arts and community service. Drawing on his experience as a financial adviser, Steve champions self-determination and advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion within his community.
Shaun Wilson
Master of Business, 2008; Bachelor of Applied Science (Sports and Exercise), 2003
Faculty of Business and Law, Faculty of Health
Shaun is a co-founder of Bondi Sands, a global brand operating across 95 countries. A visionary leader, he champions sustainability, ethical practices and community engagement while mentoring future leaders and promoting inclusivity within his company.
Andy Griffiths
Graduate Diploma (Fiction & Editing), 1991; Diploma of Education (English), 1988
Faculty of Arts and Education
Andy is one of Australia’s most celebrated children’s authors, with global hits including The JUST! and Treehouse series. A literacy advocate, award-winning playwright, and ambassador for The Indigenous Literacy Foundation, Andy inspires millions through his captivating storytelling and incredible contributions to children’s literature.
Young Alumni Excellence Award winners
Dr Anika Molesworth
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Environmental and Agricultural Management, 2020
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment
Anika is a scientist, author and advocate for climate-resilient agriculture. She founded Climate Wise Agriculture and helped to establish Farmers for Climate Action. Anika’s global outreach, award-winning writing and commitment to sustainable food security inspire communities and future generations to prioritise our climate.
Anna Seymour
Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance), 2014
Faculty of Arts and Education
Anna is an Australian-born deaf dance artist, actress and producer based in London. A creator of award-winning performances, Anna champions accessibility, teaches widely and inspires others through her art, advocating for inclusivity across disciplines.
Sunaina Jaswal
Master of Business (Sport Management), 2017
Faculty of Business and Law
Sunaina is the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager at Surf Life Saving Queensland, where she drives inclusion through innovative strategies. Sunaina is a fierce advocate for inclusivity and is passionate about the role of women in sport.
Jayden Battey
Bachelor of Commerce (Economics, Global Studies), 2022
Faculty of Business and Law
Jayden is the National Engagement Manager (Partnerships) for aid, development and advocacy organisation Baptist World Aid. He is an emerging housing leader and researcher, working to influence policy and empower marginalised communities.
2026 nominations now open
Know a Deakin graduate doing amazing things in their industry or community? Nominate them by 8 June 2025 – or step forward yourself – and help us celebrate outstanding alumni contributions. Our 2026 Alumni Award recipients will be announced on 4 March 2026.
Contact us
Stay in touch with us to hear about the latest alumni opportunities, Deakin news and research and much more. You can email the Alumni Engagement team or connect with us on LinkedIn or Facebook.