2017 Award winners
Volunteer of the Year
Marilyn Seidel
Marilyn's contribution to the Hughes Bequest Program and the Hughes Bequest Committee over the past five years has been outstanding. Her knowledge of the University and ability to engage with alumni has promoted and grown awareness of the Program, resulting in more scholarships for disadvantaged students.
As a passionate supporter of the University, Marilyn has also volunteered with the Dental Patient Program for several years and the Talking with Aussies Program since 2003. She has supported more than 25 international students, assisting them with their written and spoken English, resume writing and settling into Adelaide.
"Marilyn means more than a dedicated volunteer to me, she is not only a mentor but a true friend. I was deeply impressed and influenced by her optimism, passion, perseverance and commitments to the community, which were the most valuable rewards gained through our weekly catch ups."Marilyn's student
Student Volunteer of the Year
Arthur Yeow
Arthur has been an International Student Peer Mentor since July 2015, guiding and mentoring new international students through their early stages of study. As a dedicated volunteer, he provides information on settling into University life, facilitates campus tours and co-runs sessions with International Student Advisors.
Arthur’s commitment and professionalism to the Program has resulted in high levels of student engagement and a strong culture of inclusivity. More recently, Arthur has taken on a leadership role by training new Peer Mentors in customer service, campus tours, public speaking and event management.
He also coordinates cultural evenings where 100+ domestic and international students attend to engage with new culture through activities, presentations and food.
Arthur also volunteers with the Dental Patient Program and supports the Peer Assisted Study Sessions for Biology.
James Cowley
This year, while completing his PhD in Molecular Biology, James has been volunteering as a Regional Lecture Series Activity Presenter with Children’s University.
As a volunteer, James has led engaging activities to more than 890 school students in the regional towns of Port Pirie, Renmark and Barmera. Activities included DNA extraction and sensory aroma experiments. A major part of his role was to talk to students about his study journey and how his upbringing in a regional community sparked his interest in plants.
He is passionate about his area of study. Students can’t help but be drawn in by his enthusiasm which inspire them to find their passion and follow it into higher education. Hear about James' story here.
Volunteer Group of the Year
International Student Peer Mentor Program
The International Student Peer Mentor Program has been operating since 2007 and is dedicated to transforming the International Student experience. Volunteers help new students settle into life in Adelaide and make connections at the University.
The 33 volunteers who act as International Student Peer Mentors demonstrate exceptional dedication to the Program.
They provide peer support and a student’s perspective of University life by sharing their experiences, challenges and insights, supporting their mentees to adjust and be successful at University.
Mentors organise, co-create, co-present and facilitate the International Students Orientations each semester. They provide a nurturing environment at the start of the student journey and maintain a constant presence by organising weekly morning teas and host Language and Cultural Engagement nights.
Volunteer Group of the Year
University Archives Volunteer Group
The University Archives Volunteer Group began in 2003 with a handful of volunteers and has grown to a dedicated group of 46 volunteers today. Each volunteer spends between three and 12 hours a week working on tasks ranging from indexing collections and researching documentation, to rehousing delicate items.
In the past two years, the Archives volunteers have donated more than 7,000 hours demonstrating the high level of commitment and dedication they provide to the University.
Thanks to these volunteers, sections of the University’s collection are being listed, indexed, digitised and made publicly available online, facilitating global access. Volunteers have also made it possible for the University to participate in Expert Nation, an ARC funded discovery project with the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne. They have developed research, technical and data management skills in order to contribute to the project and are making significant and lasting contributions to the wider community through this work.
2017 Volunteer Award nominees
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Antony (Tony) Sedgwick, Talking with Aussies Program
Tony has been volunteering with the Talking With Aussies Program since 2003. Over the past 14 years he has supported more than 30 international students and has always been willing to put up his hand to take on more. Over the years Tony has offered suggestions for improvements to the program and to the English language learning opportunities for International Students.
2017 Volunteer Group Award nominees
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Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences (FHMS), Peer Mentoring Program
Established in 2015, the Health and Medical Sciences Peer Mentoring Program provides first year undergraduate students with the knowledge and skills to settle into and succeed at University.
With more than 30 volunteers, each mentor supports a group of up to 10 first year students. They provide transitional support, helpful hints and tips, share study skills and advice, and promote support services and Faculty and University events.
They do this all while undertaking their own studies.
Mentors meet with and provide email support to their group to ensure first year undergraduate students experience a smooth and positive introduction to University life.
As a whole, these mentors make an enormous contribution to student conversion, transition, retention and success, positively impacting all stages of the student lifecycle. -
Adelaide University Alumni Association Singapore (AUAAS)
The Adelaide University Alumni Association Singapore (AUAAS) was established in 1995 by the late past President of Singapore, the Honourable Mr Ong Ten Cheong. The Association was set up to meet the diverse interests of Singaporean alumni.
It is currently run by ten committee members who volunteer their time to initiate and deliver a wide range of alumni activities on a regular basis, including community outreach, social gatherings and learning and development opportunities.
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Urrbrae House Schools' Program
The Urrbrae House Schools’ Program runs once a week during school term and assists teachers to meet the requirements of the Australian Curriculum. More than 800 children attend per year, thanks to the commitment of the professionalism of the Program’s dedicated volunteers.
This program is an immersive, historic educational experience where school students from Year 1 and Years 4-6 step back into the recreated world of Peter and Matilda Waite in 1892.
Volunteers play a crucial part by stepping back in time, developing a character through role-play and costumes, to help recreate the past for the children. -
Talking With Aussies Program
Now in its 22nd year, the Talking With Aussies Program matches international students with a local volunteer for regular English conversation practice and social connection.
Talking With Aussies volunteers come from all walks of life, with their primary motivation being to ‘give back’ and foster inter-cultural communication. For the volunteers it is a chance to offer an international student a chance to participate in Aussie life, exchange language skills and learn about other cultures.
More than 250 volunteers provide international students with the highly sought after opportunity to practise their English conversation skills on a regular one-to-one basis and to network with local Adelaideans. -
Roseworthy Old Collegians Association (ROCA) Committee
The Roseworthy Old Collegians Association (ROCA) Committee was created in 1898 and has provided an ongoing bond for alumni associated with the Roseworthy Campus. Since its inception, the Committee has consistently provided a program of activities to engage with more than 2000 alumni.
The ROCA committee produces a biannual digest and coordinates many fundraising events throughout the year, including a Reunion Dinner. This continued initiative has resulted in scholarships for Roseworthy students including: Roseworthy Old Collegians Association Prize, Roseworthy Old Collegians Association Prize in Animal Science, and Roseworthy Campus and Student Fund Scholarships.