The CDU Alumni Awards recognise and celebrate the significant contributions made by CDU alumni in bringing about positive change to their communities and the world. These alumni are game-changers and trailblazers, pioneers in their field and fearless in their endeavours. They are inspirational and their impact is creating a brighter future for all.
2020 Alumni Awards recepients
David Woodroffe
Distinguished Alumnus Award
Indigenous Alumnus Award
David Woodroffe was among the first cohort of Indigenous law graduates in the Northern Territory and is currently one of the most senior Indigenous lawyers in the nation. To the many Indigenous law students, graduates and lawyers who have followed his path, he has served as a leader, mentor and friend.
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Sophie Verass
Alumnus Award for Industry Excellence
Sophie has demonstrated a commitment to ensuring that
a range of new voices be heard and created a demand
for her own talents and insights.
Emre Celik
Alumnus Award for Community Service
Emre has played a key position in bringing together diverse
communities in five major cities - Sydney, Brisbane,
Melbourne, Washington DC and Manhattan (New York City).
Teleiah Bayfield
Alumnus Award for Early Career Achievement
Teleiah Bayfield became one of the youngest Directors in
the Queensland Department of Education and is currently
the Director of Indigenous Education.
Benjamin Poveda Alfonso
International Alumnus Award
Benjamin has been an exemplary international student
and demonstrates leadership, passion for community services and a desire to give back to the community.
2020 Special Commendation
Mohd Nauman
Special Commendation
Alumnus Award for Early Career Achievement
Nauman started his own medium-sized early childhood
service to the children of the City of Wyndham which
provides a more affordable service for those low income
families compared to any other local community or
council-run service.
Rikki Bruce
Special Commendation
Alumnus Award for Early Career Achievement
Rikki graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree at
CDU and becoming one of the few females and Aboriginal
mechanical engineers in the Northern Territory. Through
her hard work commitment, attitude and academic
achievements, she is becoming a recognised role model
and mentor.
Jahna Cedar
Special Commendation
Indigenous Alumnus Award
Jahna has worked for over 20 years advocating for equal
rights and reconciliation of Indigenous people and has
represented Indigenous Australia at the United Nations
in New York, on three occasions.
Mark Mayo
Special Commendation
Indigenous Alumnus Award
Mark is an outstanding example of what Territorians can
achieve through education at CDU, and the positive and
tangible impacts that their work can have through their
dedication and commitment to their community.