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2023 Alumni Award winners

Sharyn O'Neill PSM

Sharyn O'Neill PSM

Winner of the Distinguished Alumni Award 2023

Diploma of Teaching (Primary) (1985)
Bachelor of Education (1990)
Master of Education (2001)

From classroom teacher to head of Western Australia’s Public Sector Commission - Sharyn O’Neill is the poster child for forging your own career path.  As the State’s first female Public Sector Commissioner and the youngest Director General of the Department of Education prior to that, Sharyn was never going to let age or gender be barriers to her success. Graduating from ECU with no less than three education degrees, Sharyn credits her time at ECU for equipping her with the critical thinking and skills to guide her through her remarkable career.

Janine Wood JP

Janine Wood JP

Winner of the Community Alumni Award 2023

Master of Business Administration (2021)

When Janine Wood was asked in 2015 to help a domestic violence victim in protective custody set up a new home, she could never have known that it would change her life just as much as the woman she helped. That was when No Limits Perth – a not-for-profit charity helping people in crisis – began. Eight years on, No Limits Perth sets up hundreds of houses each year with good quality items that would otherwise end up in landfill. With more than 50 regular volunteers, it has expanded to offer many different services to help people in need, from delivering essential items such as meals, clothes and blankets, to running a free laundry van for homeless to wash their clothes.

Nick Winkelman

Dr Nick Winkelman

Winner of the International Alumni Award 2023

Master of Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) (2010)

“When you meet an American in Ireland working for rugby, the number one question people ask is how the heck did you get here?” From American football in Arizona to rugby union in Ireland, Nick Winkelman’s career journey has been truly global, especially with a degree from a Western Australian university in the mix. Graduating from ECU with a Master of Exercise Science (Strength and Conditioning) in 2010, Nick has gone on to be an influential player in the elite sports coaching field. His years of experience has led to ‘coaching coaches’ – sharing his wisdom and knowledge on how to coach and communicate effectively.

Jordan Foster

Jordan Foster

Winner of the Young Alumni Award 2023

Master of Psychology (2015)

At just 22 years of age, Jordan Foster had a lightbulb moment that would not only change the course of her career, but help millions of people. Pivoting from her traditional training in clinical psychology to produce a world-leading cyber safety program, Jordan helped students, parents and teachers navigate social media and the digital space. Graduating from ECU with a Master of Psychology in 2015, the biggest measure of success for the renowned cyber safety expert was knowing she had an impact on children by sharing her knowledge and insights.

Mikayla King

Mikayla King

Young Alumni Award 2023 Commendation Recipient

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Studies) (2018)

Walking into her very first lecture on her first day of university, it was obvious that Mikayla King was a young person eager to learn.  And from that day on, learning has been a huge part of Mikayla’s life – both as a student and a teacher. Since graduating from ECU with a Bachelor of Education in 2018, Mikayla has dedicated her life to Aboriginal education, from classroom teacher to sharing her knowledge with fellow educators through her own business.

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