Announcing the winners of the inaugural Student Leadership & Alumni Awards

Celebrating exceptional students & alumni impact 

Victoria University (VU) is thrilled to announce the winners of the inaugural Student Leadership and Alumni Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions by both students and alumni within the university and beyond. 

The combined awards showcase individuals and teams who have enriched the VU community, demonstrated leadership, and made a positive impact in the broader society. The Student Leadership Awards—launched in 2010—have honoured over 140 students from VU and VU TAFE, for exemplifying leadership and community engagement across all disciplines. The Alumni Awards, established in 2011, spotlight graduates making meaningful strides in their fields and communities. 

This year marks the debut of a unified celebration of these awards, bringing together two powerful traditions of leadership, community service, and excellence at VU. Join us in celebrating these inspiring individuals and the legacy they continue to build at VU. 

Meet our winners

Lifetime Achievement Alumni Award 

Ken Matthews 
Diploma of Business Studies (Accounting), 1979  
Graduate Diploma of Accounting, 1984 
Certified Chair & Advisory Board Member, Family Business Specialist, Mentor & Advisor to Entrepreneurs and CEOs 

Professional Achievement Alumni Award 

John Garang Kon 
Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry), 2018 
Community Lawyer, Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre   

Rising Star Alumni Award 

Laura Kane 
Bachelor of Laws (Honors) 2013 
Executive General Manager Football at AFL (Australian Football League) 

Spirit of VU Alumni Award (People’s Choice) 

Associate Professor Dr Garry Kuan 
Doctor of Philosophy, 2014 
Associate Professor, Universiti Sains Malaysia 

Moondani Balluk Aboriginal Student Award 

Neville Mansfield 
Diploma of Nursing 

Outstanding Student Award 

Joima Pariani 
Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) 

VU Spirit – TAFE Student Award 

Jo Howard 
Certificate IV in Cyber Security 

VU Spirit - Undergraduate Student Award 

Geetansh Goel 
Bachelor of Data Science 

VU Spirit - Postgraduate Student Award 

Carli Bauer 
Doctor of Philosophy 

VU Spirit - International Student Award 

Tanish Samant 
Master of Counselling 

Volunteer of the Year Award 

Carol Tseung 
Master of Teaching (Primary Education) 

Raj Kannan Leadership Scholarship 

Geetansh Goel 
Bachelor of Data Science 

Best Student Group Promotion 

Enactus VU 

Student Group of the Year 

VU Computer Science Society 

Best New Student Group 

VU Computer Science Society