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Celebrating Excellence: Edith Cowan University's Top 100 Students shine bright

Edith Cowan University (ECU) celebrated the remarkable achievements of its Top 100 students and recognised those who have made exceptional contributions to university life and the broader community.

Three people in front of navy blue backdrop with ECU logos, person in centre in a wheelchair Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock with award winners Dale Galvik (centre) and Ashley Ure (right).

With over 30,000 students enrolled at ECU, earning a place in the Top 100 is a monumental feat. Standing out for the depth of contribution you make to supporting others is equally as admirable.

This annual event was hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock at the Joondalup Campus with an evening that showcased the resilience, dedication, and excellence that define these exceptional students.

A night of excellence

The event opened with a moving Welcome to Country video, paying homage to the traditional custodians of the land, the Nyoongar people, followed by a dynamic ECU marketing video that captured the vibrant spirit and diverse community of the University.

The occasion created an atmosphere of inspiration and pride for students and their families, as Professor Pollock took the stage, acknowledging the students’ incredible achievements.

"Tonight, we celebrate not just your academic success but your ability to balance life’s many demands while excelling in your studies," said Professor Pollock.

"Your accomplishments are a testament to the integrity, professionalism, and courage that define ECU's values."

Recognising Excellence Beyond Academics

The event wasn't just about marks and grades. ECU's Vice-Chancellor's Student Awards honoured individuals whose contributions enriched university life and the wider community.

Community Engagement Award

This award was presented to Ashley Ure, an engineering student and trailblazer. As the Team Leader of the ECU Racing Motorsports Club, Ashley has driven the team to international acclaim while championing gender diversity in engineering. Her leadership and advocacy for inclusivity have elevated ECU's reputation globally.

Contribution to University Life Award

This award went to Dale Galvik, whose tireless work to improve accessibility and inclusion for students with disabilities has left a lasting legacy. Dale's efforts have enhanced the campus experience for countless students, from innovative teaching modules to impactful advocacy initiatives.

Three people in front of navy blue backdrop with ECU logos, on the left man with silver beard with hand on shoulder of young man in wheelchair in centre, next to woman on right holding an award trophy Contribution to University Life Award winner Dale Galvik with his proud parents.

Special Commendation

A commendation for Community Engagement was awarded to Giselle Woodley, a PhD student making waves in social change advocacy. Her work on sexuality education, consent, and digital rights has influenced national campaigns and policy, embodying ECU's mission to transform lives. Professor Lelia Green from the School of Arts and Humanities collected the Award in Giselle's behalf.

Hearing student stories

The celebration also spotlighted two exceptional student speakers whose journeys showcased the transformative power of education.

Three people in front of navy blue backdrop with ECU logos, on the left a tall man with his arm in a sling, centre lady in aqua jacket and lady in lady on the right Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock (centre) with student speakers Colin Twist and Connie Ihlein.

Colin Twist, a cyber security expert and MBA student, shared his path from developing Western Australia's inaugural Cyber Security Strategy to founding his own consulting firm. His dedication to protecting critical infrastructure and mentoring future leaders left the audience in awe.

Connie Ihlein, a Nutrition Bioscience graduate, detailed her transition from early childhood education to co-authoring a published journal article. Balancing studies, family, and her passion for research, Connie’s story resonated with everyone in attendance.

Celebration and Beyond

The formalities concluded with an exuberant round of applause as the Top 100 students were invited on stage for a group photo, capturing a moment of collective achievement. Guests then flowed into the foyer for refreshments, networking, and a roaming photo booth, ensuring everyone left with cherished memories.

Top 100 student Thi Quynh Anh Nguyen with her family Top 100 student Thi Quynh Anh Nguyen with her family.

As the event came to a close, Professor Pollock reflected on the evening's significance.

"Each of you represents the best of ECU and our namesake, Edith Cowan. Your dedication and achievements embody her legacy of courage, innovation, and excellence."

Congratulations to all the award winners and Top 100 students for making 2024 a year of incredible accomplishments at ECU. Congratulations to all the award winners and Top 100 students for making 2024 a year of incredible accomplishments at ECU.

Top 100 Students of 2024

    • Emma Elizabeth Adair
    • Amy Ahearn
    • Isaac James Anfuso
    • Andrew Austin
    • Anthony Vaughn Bamford
    • Liam Bennett
    • Kyle Jacob Bissett
    • Andrew Vaughn Burton
    • Steve Calnon
    • Nina Calogero
    • Magdalayna Ruby Cannon
    • Sayward Adelaide Chitty
    • Tina Clothier
    • Joslin Colli
    • Chloe Conlan
    • Marie Corrigan
    • Anne-Sophie Couture
    • Michaela De Paolis
    • Hamish Dobbs
    • Jack Henry Ellis
    • Ashleigh Anne Farquhar
    • Georgia Farrell
    • Otto Joseph Gibbs
    • Taylah Rauchelle Graham
    • Ksenia Haangala
    • James Harding
    • Brodie Hibberd
    • Jodie Anne How
    • Concettina Ihlein
    • Mason Anthony Ingoe
    • Mark Jamsek
    • Heath Jeffrey
    • Thor-Robert Jelstad
    • Amber Jenner
    • Liam Jennings
    • Rebecca Anne Kane
    • Jordan James Kelly
    • Jaimee Brooke Klaassen
    • Tina Klare
    • Levke Kloenhammer
    • Adam Lacco
    • Jamie Mark Lambert
    • Nicole Lavender
    • Matthew James Lavery
    • Ethan Thomas John Lee-Visser
    • Jinq Jia Lim
    • Graham Lord
    • Conner Edward Luff
    • Aaryn Minh-Khai Ly
    • Rebecca Macbeth
    • Jorjia Deanna Kimberley Mason
    • Michelle Louise Maya
    • Samantha Jane Mckenzie
    • Vinicius Medeiros De Almeida
    • Simon Meredith
    • Cameron Ross Moore
    • Lara Morrow
    • Rachael Murray
    • Richard Neave
    • Thi Quynh Anh Nguyen
    • Benjamin James O'reilly
    • Thanuri Inupama Perera
    • Anh Thu Pham
    • Melanie Erin Police
    • Maya Patricia Porojan
    • Naomi Radley
    • David Rak
    • Jennifer Reid
    • Jamie Reilly
    • Kristijan Rezic
    • Mikayla Grace Richards
    • Palak Rijal
    • Harvey Doctor Roxas
    • Brett Charles Ryder
    • Piumi Peshala Samarasinghe
    • Mimmi Sandstroem
    • Sarah Nicole Scafidas
    • Michael Steven Singer
    • Isabella Rose Fisher Skuthorp
    • Matthew Cameron Smith
    • Michael John Smith
    • Bonnie Jo Staude
    • Zarlie Edith Stubbs
    • Michael Keng Aik Tan
    • Tammie Melissa Taylor
    • Helena Thorup
    • Stacie Maree Toovey
    • Norman Yiu Sing Tsang
    • Colin Frank Twist
    • Jamie Alexander Urwin Duarte
    • Benjamin Robert Verstandig
    • Emma Western
    • Jake Robert Whan
    • Allison Maree Whitbread
    • Jessica Whittaker
    • Sarah Deanne Williams
    • Saw Yu Yadanar
    • Elli Yiannopoulos
    • Anahita Zoohori

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