As 2024 draws to a close, there's no better time to reflect on this year and the impact of QUT alumni. One area we pride ourselves on is seeking out, sharing and celebrating alumni stories and success.
We aim to tell the story of QUT through our greatest asset—our graduates—while also giving alumni an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the things they are most passionate about. This may be their career journey and achievements, overcoming adversity or challenging barriers, being an agent for change, raising the profile of a personal or professional cause, reflecting on their legacy, or thanking those people who have shared and shaped their journey.
You may have seen the inspiring videos of our recent Outstanding Alumni Award recipients, but no less compelling are the 60 alumni guest editorials, thought-leadership pieces and Q&As featured in this year's e-newsletters and LinkedIn posts. In case you missed these, we have selected some of our top stories of the year for this edition, and you can revisit more on the Alumni Insights page.
Some alumni have shared their expertise and advice directly with high school and QUT students through our popular Future You Summit, QUT Open Day and Career Con. Alumni also participated as guest speakers, on panels, in lectures, as mentors, and as providers of scholarships, internships, capstone projects and work integrated learning.
Alumni are truly part of the fabric of QUT, and we invite you to consider how you might like to engage with us in the coming year—whether it be sharing your career stories so far, or creating new ones by pursuing lifelong learning such as postgraduate study, short courses and continuing professional education to further your knowledge or pivot into a new profession.
Finally, if you're looking for last-minute gift ideas, holiday reading material or planning your cultural outings in 2025, look no further than our curated lists below which feature alumni entrepreneurs, authors and creatives.
I would like to thank all the alumni who have engaged with us this year, including you, our readers, for taking the time to explore this content and share 'tips' on other alumni stories and achievements. From our team to you, have a safe and happy holiday season. Warm regards, |
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| Assoc. Professor Paige Hilditch-Maguire Executive Director, Alumni and Engagement QUT |
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Treat the kids to some holiday magic at QUT Gardens Theatre. Don't miss Spot - Live in Brisbane, The Very Hungry Caterpillar show, or The 78-Storey Treehouse - Live in Brisbane. These shows are fantastic for keeping young families entertained these school holidays. > Find out more |
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Support QUT alumni and enjoy these exciting performances and events—perfect for gifting, or planning your own cultural outings for 2025. |
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Revisit some of our most popular profiles of 2024 |
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Deborah Henderson | AI in 2024 |
Class of 2020 Deborah Henderson, Data and AI Partner at KPMG Australia, featured as guest editor in the Big Ideas in AI edition. She shares her thoughts on the benefits and risks of implementing generative AI solutions in the workplace.
> Get AI insights from Deborah |
| Matt Davis | Circularity is a team sport |
Class of 1998 Matt Davis, CEO of Salvos Stores, brought us some incredible insights on the value of innovative partnerships in driving change for good. He shares the Salvos success story of becoming Australia's largest charity store network.
> Hear more from Matt |
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Carly Jia | Indigenous knowledges and perspectives |
Class of 2021
CEO of the First Nations Treaty Institute, Carly Jia, was our guest editor for the Indigenous Knowledges and Perspectives edition. In her article, Carly shares her experiences and the learnings that have driven her passion for truth-telling and healing.
> Catch up with Carly |
| Jacob Livermore | Architecture meets cinematic artistry |
Class of 2008 and 2010 Architectural alumnus, Jacob Livermore, talked about his journey to becoming a television location scout and producer. Jacob shed light on his experience working on productions such as Boy Swallows Universe, and the future of Queensland's film industry. > Sit down with Jacob |
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Paige Wanckel | Insights into HR evolution |
Class of 2017
Paige Wanckel is the Human Capital Business Partner, Americas, at First Sentier Investors. She shared insights into her exciting role, future trends in human capital, and urged graduates to seize the opportunity for growth that comes with moving abroad. > Read more from Paige |
| Prof Selena Bartlett | How neuroplasticity shapes a thriving life
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Class of 1986 Prof Bartlett explained how daily habits impact brain health through neuroplasticity. She highlighted the value of social interactions, regular exercise, and whole foods to ensure our brains can adapt, grow, and thrive. > Learn more from Selena's studies |
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Looking for last minute gifts?
Explore some of our QUT alumni ventures and show your support this festive season... BOOKS HOME & LEISURE CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES TASTY TREATS - Hum Honey by Leisa Sams (Class of 2014)
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K'kao by Annette Muller (Class of 1997, 1999 and 2005)
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Origin Tea by Chris Seaton (Class of 2013) and Lawrence Seaton
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Discover this year's top QUT research articles |
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Older homeowners with spare bedrooms may offer housing crisis fix |
As housing affordability in Australia hits an all-time low, Dr Lyndall Bryant's innovative proposal to incentivise older homeowners to rent out their spare bedrooms captured significant attention in September. > Find out more |
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Australian Government approves release of QUT-developed GM Cavendish QCAV-4 |
In February, the Australian Government granted QUT a licence to commercially release a genetically modified Cavendish banana aiming to safeguard global production. > Discover the research |
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The 6th Annual BEST Conference on Human Behaviour and Decision Making is happening on February 13-14, at QUT's Gardens Point Campus. This event, in collaboration with the ARC Training Centre for Behavioural Insights for Technology Adoption, features renowned plenary speakers from around the world. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with leading Behavioural Economics experts. |
Turn your skills into opportunities with up to $2,000 in venture funding QUT's Innovation Arena is a guided program that equips graduates with the practical skills to develop and scale new products and services, either as a new venture or as an intrapreneur. Underpinned by MIT's '24 Steps of Disciplined Entrepreneurship', it offers practical and structured support with the aim to build founders and innovative professions.
As well as tailored coaching and mentoring, participants will also receive up to $2,000 of venture funding, on successful completion of each module.
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Contribute to the alumni newsletter |
Have multiple generations of your family studied at QUT? We want to hear your story! In 2025, we'll be celebrating the rich legacy of our alumni in a special newsletter edition. If you would like to contribute an article, we warmly welcome your input. |
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*The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of QUT or the guest editor. |
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| Address 2 George Street QUT Gardens Point Brisbane QLD 4000 |
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