2017 Vice-Chancellor Awards

Victoria University’s Ralph Kiel, University Librarian, has won the 2017 Vice-Chancellor’s award for Career Achievement.

The official presentation took place this morning at VU’s Metro West and was attended by academic and professional staff, and friends of VU.

The purpose of the Vice-Chancellor's awards is to formally promote and celebrate the full spectrum of outstanding work performance at Victoria University.

The awards are an opportunity for the Vice-Chancellor to recognise the exceptional practice and outstanding contributions of individuals and teams to Victoria University and beyond.

The awards fall into the following categories:

• Excellence in Engagement
• Excellence in Learning and Teaching
• Excellence in Research and Research Training
• Excellence in Professional Services
• Innovation and Excellence in Student Engagement.

Ralph Kiel: a leader & adviser

Since 2009, Ralph Kiel has displayed leadership and engagement excellence. He has developed new services and he has met student and researcher needs by including extending weekend opening hours, implementing Learning Hubs and expanding the VU Art Collection. Ralph is currently working on VU’s First Year Model, and remains a member of CAUL (Council of Australian University Librarians).

On receiving his award from Professor Peter Dawkins, Vice-Chancellor and President of Victoria University, Ralph acknowledged the support of his colleagues and said he was “honoured and thrilled” by the recognition. 

Professor Warren Payne, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Research Training, said Ralph has always made himself available for a range of cross-University roles, including being a member of Academic Board and the Academic Research Training Committee. “Ralph has approached these roles with a view to ‘putting the University first’. As a result, his counsel is widely sought and respected by all involved.”

Award winners

Career achievement

Ralph Kiel, University Librarian

Excellence in engagement

Citation

Nick Del Grosso - Manufacturing, Trades and Technology, Victoria Polytechnic

Award

Footscray University Town team:

• Kerry O’Neill
• Bec Carey-Grieve
• Bianca Borg
• Katrina Gubbins
• Angus Smith

Excellence in learning & teaching (vocational education)

Citation

Youth IT Careers team:

• Patrick O’Neill
• Nicola Stevens
• Victoria Polytechnic

Award

Community Services Leadership Program team:

• Helen Rodd
• Tina Grimes
• Glenys Adams
• Emily Barter
• Mary Edmonds
• Centre for Health and Wellbeing, Victoria Polytechnic

Excellence in learning & teaching (higher education)

Citation

• Dr Siew Fang Law, College of Arts and Education
• Dr Scott Bingley, College of Business
• Dr Stephen Burgess, College of Engineering and Science

Award

Kathy Michael, College of Business

Excellence in research & research training (individual)

Citation

• Dr Vasso Apostolopoulos, Centre for Chronic Disease, College of Health and Biomedicine
• Professor Ramon Spaaij, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, College of Sport and Exercise Science

Award

Professor Itamar Levinger, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, College of Sport and Exercise Science

Excellence in research & research training (early career)

Citation

Dr Mario Peucker, Centre for Cultural Diversity and Wellbeing

Award

Dr Xing Yang, College of Engineering and Science

Excellence in research & research training (supervision)

Citation

• Dr Himanshu Shee, College of Business
• Associate Professor Nigel Stepto, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living, College of Sport and Exercise Science

Excellence in professional services & innovation

Citation

The Student Advising operational team:

• Sarah English
• Leon Kerr
• Student Services

Award

Library Extended Opening Hours team:

• Garry Potter
• Peter Ring
• Jenny Comley
• Campus Libraries

Excellence in student engagement

Citation

The National Indigenous Student Games team:

• Marcus Brooke, Moondani Balluk
• Grant Meiksans, VU Sport

Award

• Danielle Borlovan
• Student Transition Mentor Team

Centre for Student Success, Student Retention and Transition