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.
2021 Alumni Award winners
Madalena Costa Soares
Distinguished Alumnus Award
International Alumnus Award
Madalena Costa Sores began her career as a nurse in Timor-Leste in 1985, working her way up swiftly from clinical nursing roles to Nurse Educator roles, and became the Director of Nursing Academy in Timor-Leste in 1996.
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Emma Bell
Alumnus Award for Industry Excellence
With more than 15 years of experience working in infrastructure and the built environment in planning, design development and construction Emma’s passion for project management knows no bounds. And it all started with a Business degree at CDU.
Sabaratnam Prathapan
Alumnus Award for Community Service
Sabaratnam’s passion for educating young engineers and helping others has made him an integral part of the community. His selfless nature has earned him respect and admiration at CDU and beyond.
Ira Racines
Alumnus Award for Early Career Achievement
Community champion Ira is committed to making a positive contribution to society. With a particular affinity for LGBTIQA+ issues, he’s extremely passionate about mental health in youth. Thanks to his studies at CDU, he’s turned his passion into action.
Yin Paradies
Indigenous Alumnus Award
Recognised as an international expert on racism, Professor Yin Paradies is passionate about educating the newest generation of academics, policy makers and government representatives for a more inclusive society.
2021 Special Commendation
Jonathan Saunders
Special Commendation
Indigenous Alumnus Award 2021
Jonathan is a Darwin-based indigenous illustrator, 2D animator, and writer, who graduated with a Bachelor of Visual Art with Industries Honours, second class, in 2010.
Wendy Ludwig
Special Commendation
Indigenous Alumnus Award 2021
Dr Ludwig is a Kungarakan and Gurindji woman from Darwin, with considerable executive leadership experience in the tertiary education sector, as well as on community committees and boards of management.