Clothing entrepreneur Greg Taylor and former Defence Minister Dr Brendan Nelson AO have been honoured by Flinders University for their immense leadership in business and contribution to public service.

They joined 11 outstanding high achievers announced at a Flinders Alumni Awards ceremony in Adelaide.

The awards recognise the significant contributions made by outstanding graduates to the community, the University or within their chosen field – locally and internationally.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling congratulated this year’s recipients for their exceptional achievements, which reflect Flinders core values of dedication to knowledge, innovation, and the betterment of society.

“From business and science to social justice, the arts and advocacy for First Nations healthcare, our 2024 awardees have made an indelible mark across a range of disciplines and industries as leaders and innovators,” said Professor Stirling.

“Their successful journeys represent the endless opportunities available to Flinders graduates who pursue their chosen pathway with an unwavering spirit and unbridled determination, inspiring us all to reach for the stars in the process.

“Flinders alumni are making a profound impact around the world.”

Starting with just $5,000, Greg Taylor is now the CEO of a publicly listed clothing company that has sold over 15 million pairs of undies while redefining ethical and sustainable standards in manufacturing.

Receiving a Distinguished Alumni Award for his sustainable business leadership and support of local entrepreneurs, Mr Taylor, who graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Commerce, established the first clothing company in Australia to achieve end-to-end FSC certification.

With no previous textile experience, his path to building Step One, currently valued at approximately $330 million, ensured sustainability is amongst the company’s top objectives.

 “Brands will say this is ‘ethical’ and that is ‘sustainable’ but what does that actually mean? I imagine my two-year-old son stuck in a factory, not going to school and I’m mortified!” said Mr Taylor. “If you’re going to manufacture something and put your name to it, you also want to be able to sleep at night.

“If that means there’s one child that goes through school instead of working in a factory, then that’s amazing. I think a rising tide lifts all boats.”

Receiving the highest alumni accolade – the Convocation Medal – Former Federal Minister and Director of the Australian War Memorial, Dr Brendan Nelson AO, credits Flinders as providing a bedrock for his problem-solving skills throughout a high-profile political career.

Dr Nelson, who graduated in 1983, has received the award for his political leadership and impact in the public and private sectors which continues in his current role as Senior Vice President of The Boeing Company, and President of global aerospace giant Boeing.

 “Flinders University along with those who inspired and taught me and continued to do so after I graduated, made me the person that I am,” said Dr Nelson.

“The liberating power of a Flinders University education will lay the foundation for your life as it did mine. My advice is to regard your education as a precious gift. What you do with it is limited only by your imagination, creativity and determination.”

Convocation Medallist:

Dr Brendan Nelson AO, Senior Vice President, The Boeing Company, and President, Boeing Global.

Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery 1983 and Doctor of the University honoris causa (Honorary) 2011.

For outstanding leadership and impact in the public and private sectors.

Distinguished Alumni awardees:

Greg Taylor, Founder and CEO of Step One.

Bachelor of Commerce 2005.

For distinguished leadership and commitment to creating a sustainable business and supporting upcoming entrepreneurs.

 

 

Professor Anthony Williams, Professor of Physics at The University of Adelaide.

Doctor of Philosophy (Physical Sciences) 1985.

Distinguished Alumni Award for research leadership in subatomic physics.

 

 

 

 

Professor Tom Gordon, Head of Clinical Immunology at SA Pathology.

Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) 1987 and Doctor of Medicine 1996.

For distinguished leadership, innovation and research in the immunological field of systemic autoimmunity.

 

 

 

 

Catherine Fitzgerald, Freelance Director, Writer, and Artist.

Bachelor of Arts 1982 and Bachelor of Arts with Honours 1989.

For distinguished contribution to South Australian theatre and performance, including the promoting of diverse communities.

 

 

 

Simon Schrapel AM, Chief Executive of Uniting Communities.

Master of Policy and Administration 2005.

For distinguished contribution to social justice locally and nationally through welfare organisations, programs and initiatives.

 

 

 

 

Lauren Hillman, General Manager of Channel 44 and South Australian Film Corporation board member.

Bachelor of Arts 2000 and Bachelor of Arts with Honours 2002.

For distinguished leadership in the South Australian screen sector and for supporting emerging on-screen artists.

 

 

Early Career Alumni awardees:

Sara Carrison, Associate Lecturer at Flinders University and Optometry Board of Australia Committee Member.

Bachelor of Medical Science (Vision Science), Master of Optometry 2019.

For significant contribution to First Nations’ eye health and advocating for a culturally safe and inclusive environment within the profession.

Thao Thu Hoang, Senior Child Protection Practitioner at Territory Families, Housing and Communities.

Master of Social Work 2021.

For significant service in the field of child protection, focusing on families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds..

Dr Xuan Luo, Research Associate in the College of Science and Engineering at Flinders University.

Diploma in Communication and Information Technology 2008, Bachelor of Human Nutrition 2012, Master of Biotechnology Studies 2014 and Doctor of Philosophy 2019.

For significant contributions to the fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology and as an advocate for sustainable manufacturing in the healthcare sector.

Dr Emad Roshandel, Senior Electronic Engineer at CPIE Pharmacy Services.

Doctor of Philosophy 2023.

For significant research expertise in electrical and electronic engineering to support the development and commercialisation of new technologies and innovations.