From classrooms to global newsrooms: UniSQ celebrates outstanding alumni

Leaders in First Nations health, education, business, media and community service have been recognised for their outstanding achievements at the University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) 2026 Alumni Awards.

One of Australia’s most respected authorities in Indigenous health and education, Emeritus Professor Cindy Shannon AM, was named UniSQ Alumnus of the Year at a ceremony in Toowoomba yesterday (29 October), also receiving the inaugural Alumnus Award for First Nations Excellence.

Brendan Krueger, Foundation Principal of Ripley Valley State Secondary College, received the Alumnus Award for Community Impact in recognition of his contribution to the community through education and leadership.

Ross Dagan, Executive Vice President and Head of News Operations and Transformation at CBS News in New York, received the Alumnus Award for Leadership and Professional Excellence.

Ryan Salzke, CEO of Vanguard Laundry and a Board Member of the UniSQ Student Guild, was awarded the Young Alumnus of the Year.

The awards celebrate the achievements of UniSQ graduates making a meaningful difference in their professions, industries and communities.

UniSQ Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Paul Mazerolle said the Alumni Awards showcased the remarkable contributions of graduates using their knowledge, skills and leadership to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

“From improving health outcomes for First Nations communities to shaping education, transforming businesses and leading international newsrooms, our graduates are making an extraordinary difference,” Professor Mazerolle said.

“With more than 125,000 alumni across 154 countries, their achievements demonstrate the impact of a UniSQ education and the remarkable contributions our graduates continue to make around the world.”

Emeritus Professor Shannon has dedicated her career to improving health and education outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Her contributions include leading the development and implementation of Australia’s first degree-level program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, serving as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) at The University of Queensland and contributing to state and national health policy.

Emeritus Professor Shannon said she was honoured to receive the recognition, while acknowledging the people who had supported her throughout her career.

“I may be the person who gets the recognition, but there’s a whole team of people behind me who are equally deserving of it,” she said.

Introduced in 2026, the Alumnus Award for First Nations Excellence recognises First Nations graduates who demonstrate exceptional leadership in their chosen field and make a powerful difference to their communities by strengthening cultural identity, improving social and economic outcomes, and creating positive change for First Nations people.

The awards come as UniSQ prepares to mark its 60th anniversary in 2027, celebrating six decades of education, research and community impact.