Alumni Success in Focus

Author: Rosanna Galvin | published: 2/27/2015 7:00:00 PM

In 2016 UniSA will celebrate its 25th birthday. From strong foundations the University’s reputation grows, not least through the career paths its graduates have forged and the impact they have made in areas including education, health, business and science, over the past two decades.

We catch up with some of UniSA’s alumni and find out what they have achieved since their graduating year.

1994

Author: Rosanna Galvin | published: 2/24/2015 6:21:00 PM

JASON MARRIOTT’S career in architecture has taken him around the globe. Since graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture, he has worked in Australia, Hong Kong, Mongolia and China. Jason is currently a director in an international architecture company, Chapman Taylor and is based in Shanghai. His portfolio includes prominent projects such as the 2008 Beijing Olympic Village and the Apple Shanghai Corporate Campus.

Favourite UniSA memory: One of my favourite memories is learning with the then Dean of the School of Art, Architecture and Design, Peter Burgess. He introduced us to some complicated philosophical theories on architecture and design.

Inspiration: My inspiration comes from travel and gaining different perspectives from around the world. As an architect, international exposure to people and environments is critical to evolving professionally, particularly when working on highly visible public projects.

When I grew up: I actually wanted to be a pilot, and I have achieved this goal. While in high school I learnt to fly C172 Cessnas and Piper Tomahawks.

1995

Author: Rosanna Galvin | published: 2/24/2015 6:23:00 PM

CHRISTINE ECONOMOS has been making a difference in the lives of South Australians in her career in the health sector. A Bachelor of Nursing graduate, Christine is now the Nursing Director of Acute Medicine and Support Services at Central Adelaide Local Health Network, managing a single service across multiple sites. These include the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) and Queen Elizabeth Hospital. She was previously the Nursing Director at Disability SA, Coordinator of Strategic Projects at SA Health and Critical Care Nurse Specialist at the RAH Intensive Care Unit.

Favourite UniSA memory: My favourite memory would be the tutorials in the Nursing Practice subject, where I learnt how the theoretical aspects translate into real life scenarios.

Inspiration: My inspiration comes from the patients and their families. Their courage and determination during the most vulnerable time in their life is amazing. It is a privilege to care for them, listen to and share their experiences, while providing a holistic, patient-centred approach.

When I grew up: I wanted to be a few things; a doctor, teacher and professional tennis player.

1997

Author: Rosanna Galvin | published: 2/24/2015 6:24:00 PM

GRANT PRICE flies Boeing 777s for a living. After completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Civil Aviation), Grant worked for Virgin Australia for several years before relocating to Dubai. He is currently a Boeing 777 Captain for Emirates Airlines.

Favourite UniSA memory: Participating in a ‘fly away’ navigation exercise over three days to remote South Australia and the Northern Territory. We flew in a convoy of three aircraft with two students in each. The route was from Parafield to Leigh Creek, then on to Oodnadatta, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Coober Pedy and back home.

Inspiration: I’m inspired by exploring and new experiences. My job is perfect for that!

When I grew up: I always wanted to be a pilot. I can’t remember ever wanting to do anything else.

1999

Author: Rosanna Galvin | published: 2/24/2015 6:24:00 PM

KELLIE WILKIE (NEE UPTON) is a sports physiotherapist who runs her own practice, BODYSYSTEM, in Tasmania. Career highlights since graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) include becoming the lead physiotherapist for Rowing Australia and going to the 2012 London Olympic Games as an official physiotherapist. She was named Marie Claire Telstra Young Business Woman of the Year in Tasmania in 2009.

Favourite UniSA memory: The wonderful friends I made through my undergraduate physiotherapy degree. The course was very demanding and we all supported each other so well to get through it. I will never forget that level of friendship.

Inspiration: I am constantly inspired to be the best I can be at any new challenge I take on. The work that I do with Rowing Australia allows me to mix with amazing individuals who are striving to be the very best they can be and I have learnt enormously from some of these people.

When I grew up: Firstly I wanted to be a layby person at Kmart – I looked up to my older cousin and she did this as a part-time job and I wanted to be just like her. As time progressed I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field.

2000

Author: Rosanna Galvin | published: 2/24/2015 6:25:00 PM

LEE HARRISON operates Mobile Science Education, a science education support service to schools in South Australia. Lee, who completed a Bachelor of Science and a Diploma in Education, started the business in 2006 after realising his passion lies in science communication.

Inspiration: Inspiration is easy – I just go to work. Every day that I am working with students, of any age, I see something that reminds me why I love doing what I do. For fresh ideas I throw concepts back and forth with colleagues, or roam websites and YouTube video channels, usually finding examples of what not to do. The ideas come as a reaction to that.

When I grew up: I originally wanted to be a vet until I spent a week of work experience bagging animal corpses for disposal.

2009

Author: Rosanna Galvin | published: 2/24/2015 6:26:00 PM

CHRIS HOOPER is a founding partner of Cirillo Hooper & Company, a high-tech accounting practice he set up with a friend. While studying a Bachelor of Commerce at UniSA he was working full time as a junior accountant. After Chris graduated he spent two years in the corporate sector as a finance analyst for a publicly listed company while completing his Graduate Diploma. He has since returned to UniSA, where he tutors and is studying for his Master of Business Administration.

Favourite UniSA memory: My first day – I made two new friends that I’m still friends with eight years on and whom I do business with regularly.

Inspiration: My inspiration comes from seeing how big an impact the accounting profession has on all areas of business; and seeing the results from being proactive about it.

When I grew up: I wanted to be a football player and a mechanic. Turns out I wasn’t good at either.

2010

Author: Rosanna Galvin | published: 2/24/2015 6:27:00 PM

KATE THIELE is the CEO of Guide Dogs South Australia and Northern Territory, a not-for-profit organisation that uses its expertise with dogs and in sensory service provision to enhance the quality of life of people living with a disability. The Master of Business Administration alumna is also a Board Member on Minda Incorporated, UniSA’s MBA Advisory Board and the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia.

Favourite UniSA memory: The group of people I worked with during the Strategic Management course were so wonderfully diverse. We had such a positive, constructive and fun time – an absolute highlight.

Inspiration: I am genuinely inspired by the notion of leadership and what that means in practical terms. I am inspired to read about it, think about it and understand it.

When I grew up: I wanted to be a barrister.

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Would you like to reconnect with UniSA? Get back in touch at the UniSA Reconnect website and share your journey. We’d love to hear what you’re up to.