Means for Change

Never Stand Still The Magazine for Alumni and Friends June 2014 • Issue 20

Cover story MEANS FOR CHANGE UNSW commerce alumnus Corrin Varady channels philanthropy CHARTING into Ugandan and Tanzanian schools, empowering former child soldiers BUDDHISM to forge their future BY SEA Page 10 Page 12 A VIVID REFLECTION Page 15 ALUMNI AWARDS Page 20 CARING IN THE COMMUNITY Page 23

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“These kids wanted 12 an education; to get out of their villages … and do something 15 productive.”

CORRIN VARADY, UNSW COMMERCE ALUMNUS

10 THIS ISSUE 12 4 HIGHLIGHTS // The latest on campus and beyond 15 IMPACT // A Vivid reflection 6 MESSAGE // Jennie Lang, Vice-President Advancement 17 ALUMNI APPEAL // Gift of study 7 THEN & NOW // Campus memories 18 GLOBAL CONNECTIONS // Alumni around the world 8 REWIND // Jonathan Barouch: Getting the measure of it all 19 IN MEMORY // Vale Emeritus Professor Fred Ayscough 10 RESEARCH // Professor Sarah Kenderdine: Charting Buddhism 20 ALUMNI AWARDS // Applauding success by sea; Scientia Professor Stuart Wenham: Solar eclipse 22 PAGETURNERS // Caring in the community 12 COVER STORY // Means for change: Corrin Varady, commerce 23 MESSAGE // Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill, Director Alumni and alumnus, builds schools in Africa for former child soldiers Community Engagement

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MESSAGE

elcome to the first UNSW researchers, including making a dramatic difference issue for 2014 the team that for the first time to campus life. of UNSWorld, used electrical pulses delivered To update you on our the bi-annual from a cochlear implant to decision to set a minimum magazineW that keeps our deliver gene therapy. This Admission Rank of 80 from alumni and other friends heralds a possible new way of 2014 for all courses (except up to date with news and treating a range of neurological those with entry through developments on campus. disorders, including portfolio): this was fairly A particular highlight of Parkinson’s disease. A unique radical in the Australian the year so far has been the partnership between cancer context, but it’s paid dividends. recognition awarded to some researcher Professor Peter Far from suffering any of our star researchers. Gunning and a fundraising decline in enrolments, we’ve CONTENTS Scientia Professor of former bus driver is leading to had increased demand and Physics Michelle Simmons, a new treatment for childhood our median ATAR has risen a world leader in quantum cancer – you may have seen this across the board. The move “These kids wanted FREDERICK G computing, joined the likes remarkable story on ABC TV’s has important implications an education; to get of Stephen Hawking, Albert Australian Story. for the future, preserving 12 HILMER Einstein and Alexander out of their villages Graham Bell as an elected Geneticist David Sinclair, who heads labs … and do something member of the American President and at Harvard and UNSW Medicine, was 15 productive.” Vice-Chancellor Academy of Arts and Sciences. Geneticist David Sinclair, named by Time as one of the 100 most who heads labs at Harvard and influential people in the world. UNSW Medicine, was named by Time as one of the 100 most CORRIN VARADY, UNSW influential people in the world. COMMERCE ALUMNUS Citing his work in identifying a potentially reversible cause Meanwhile we won the quality of our student of ageing, the magazine noted $22.8 million in the latest body and in the longer term, that it makes possible the idea round of NHMRC grants, keeping our student numbers of “living more years with the second largest amount at a sustainable level. Bonus a body that’s robust enough Australia-wide and far ahead points have been retained for to make the most of them”. of any other university in New disadvantaged students. Our photovoltaic engineers South Wales. So a great year As you may be aware, are the current world record to date on the research front! I informed staff at the beginning holders in silicon solar cell In other news, we of the semester that I’ve efficiency, and it was pleasing successfully launched our decided to step down as to see Scientia Professor Stuart first Massive Open Online Vice-Chancellor at the end of Wenham awarded a top Course (MOOC) in April 2014, after more than eight international prize. Closer to and, despite funding cuts to wonderful years in the job. The home, the Australian Academy the sector, we’ve been able to Chancellor expects to be able of Science selected marine continue to improve the on- to announce my replacement ecologist Professor Emma campus experience. When the in the near future. Meanwhile Johnston as the inaugural Kensington Colleges reopen I hope to be seeing many of winner of the Nancy Millis this year we will have close you in the months remaining Medal for Women in Science. to 5000 student beds, more than and I thank you once again for We’ve also seen significant any other NSW university. This your support. I hope you enjoy 10 advances made by other thriving “city within a city” is this latest issue of UNSWorld. THIS ISSUE 12 4 HIGHLIGHTS // The latest on campus and beyond 15 IMPACT // A Vivid reflection 6 MESSAGE // Jennie Lang, Vice-President Advancement 17 ALUMNI APPEAL // Gift of study 7 THEN & NOW // Campus memories 18 GLOBAL CONNECTIONS // Alumni around the world 8 REWIND // Jonathan Barouch: Getting the measure of it all 19 IN MEMORY // Vale Emeritus Professor Fred Ayscough Alumni and Community Director Alumni and Community On the cover: Australia Post Print Post 10 RESEARCH // Professor Sarah Kenderdine: Charting Buddhism 20 ALUMNI AWARDS // Applauding success Engagement Office Engagement: from left to right Approved UNSW AUSTRALIA, Sydney Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill Jonathan Okwir and PP 255003/07978 by sea; Scientia Professor Stuart Wenham: Solar eclipse 22 PAGETURNERS // Caring in the community NSW 2052 Editors: Melinda Ham & Mike Hall Corrin Varady UNSW, Sydney NSW 2052 Phone: 61 2 9385 3279 Design: Magnesium Media CRICOS Provider No. 12 COVER STORY // Means for change: Corrin Varady, commerce 23 MESSAGE // Stergitsa Zamagias-Hill, Director Alumni and Fax: 61 2 9385 3278 00098G Email: [email protected] alumnus, builds schools in Africa for former child soldiers Community Engagement

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p2-3_Contents and VC Message__FINALFINAL.indd 2 16/06/14 11:42 AM p2-3_Contents and VC Message__FINALFINAL.indd 3 16/06/14 11:42 AM HIGHLIGHTS SUBTLE CUES CAN ALTER EVERYTHING t’s no coincidence that the He draws on an example of logos of McDonald’s and researchers who discovered “Although you might think I Hungry Jack’s are bright that on online dating sites, men yellow and red, says UNSW and women wearing red T-shirts you have a fixed personality, psychology graduate and were much more likely to get very subtle cues can change university medallist Adam Alter responses. “People think red is (BSc’04); people tend to eat the colour of love,” Alter says. everything.” more and spend more when As his book title suggests, they’re around those colours. pink is another important colour. ADAM ALTER At TEDxSydney in April, held Starting in the 1970s academics ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF at the Sydney Opera House, found that “very bright bubble- MARKETING AND PSYCHOLOGY AT NEW YORK UNIVERSITY’S STERN Alter argued that while we hold gummy” pink calmed people down. SCHOOL OF BUSINESS particular opinions or points of Naval prison wardens in view, colour, religious icons, guilt Seattle in the United States and other influences can change painted the interior of holding our behaviour radically. cells – commonly referred to “Although you might think as “drunk tanks” – pink, in an you have a fixed personality, attempt to control aggressive very subtle cues can change inmates. This unusual tactic everything,” says Alter, who actually worked, says Alter. is now Associate Professor of “They swore the prisoners Marketing and Psychology at became calmer, well-behaved New York University’s Stern and more compliant.” School of Business. “They can In his TEDx talk, he also make you more or less honest. referred to an experiment They can make you more or less done at the coffee machine in generous. They can make you a staff room at the University more or less open-minded.” of Newcastle in the UK, where In his book Drunk Tank Pink: people were encouraged to drop And Other Unexpected Forces a few coins into an honesty jar That Shape How We Think, Feel, when they took a cup of coffee. and Behave (Penguin 2013), When the researchers put which is on the New York Times a photo of a pair of eyes over bestseller list, Alter maintains the jar, staff members gave three that colour is just one of many times more money than when strategies and ploys used to the researchers put a photo subliminally control people. of flowers there.

World’s oldest fossil sperm found reserved giant sperm from the UNSW School of Biological, Earth tiny shrimps that lived at least and Environmental Sciences, who has P17 million years ago have been been excavating at Riversleigh for discovered at Queensland’s Riversleigh more than 35 years. World Heritage Fossil Site by a team “The Riversleigh fossil deposits including UNSW researchers. in remote north-western Queensland Scientists maintain that the giant have been the site of the discovery sperm were longer than the male’s of many extraordinary prehistoric entire body, but were tightly coiled Australian animals, such as giant, up inside the sexual organs of the toothed platypuses and flesh-eating fossilised freshwater crustaceans, kangaroos. So we have become used which are known as ostracods. to delightfully unexpected surprises Above: Professor Mike Archer of the UNSW School of Biological, Earth “These are the oldest fossilised in what turns up there.” and Environmental Sciences sperm ever found in geological The study is published in the Royal record,” says Professor Mike Archer of Society’s Proceedings B journal.

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Quantum physicist SUBTLE CUES CAN ALTER EVERYTHING elected to TAKING UP THE QUILL t’s no coincidence that the He draws on an example of American hat do frogs, birds and Professor of Irish studies of Extinction, is due out soon from logos of McDonald’s and researchers who discovered “Although you might think Academy a violent Irish childhood Rónán McDonald. the Columbia University Press. I Hungry Jack’s are bright that on online dating sites, men The American Whave in common? They McBride spent six months “I wanted to look at the cultural yellow and red, says UNSW and women wearing red T-shirts you have a fixed personality, Academy of Arts were just some of the themes writing her novel, but it took her dimensions of extinction, and psychology graduate and were much more likely to get very subtle cues can change and Sciences has involving UNSW academics in May nine years to get it published. Her also the philosophical and ethical university medallist Adam Alter responses. “People think red is elected Scientia at the Sydney Writers’ Festival book was recently awarded the questions it poses,” he says. (BSc’04); people tend to eat the colour of love,” Alter says. everything.” Professor of Physics (SWF), Australia’s largest annual Goldsmith’s Prize which celebrates Kirksey is using an Australian more and spend more when As his book title suggests, Michelle Simmons celebration of literature and ideas. “creative daring” in fiction. Research Council grant to they’re around those colours. pink is another important colour. ADAM ALTER to join its ranks. UNSW Arts and Social Sciences Originally trained as an actor, help research the “amphibian At TEDxSydney in April, held Starting in the 1970s academics ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF Simmons, a world has been a major sponsor of the McBride says her method-acting ark”, an international network leader in the field of at the Sydney Opera House, found that “very bright bubble- MARKETING AND PSYCHOLOGY AT event for the past three years. skills helped inform her writing. of bio-secure holding tanks NEW YORK UNIVERSITY’S STERN quantum computing, Alter argued that while we hold gummy” pink calmed people down. SCHOOL OF BUSINESS is the director of UNSW hosted two “Acting is all about examining and cryogenic banks of frozen particular opinions or points of Naval prison wardens in the Australian international guest authors on characters to bring them to their tissue, attempting to conserve view, colour, religious icons, guilt Seattle in the United States Research Council campus at the Io Myers Studio. fullest realisation. I used this to some of the world’s disappearing and other influences can change painted the interior of holding (ARC) Centre of American investigative journalist really breathe life into the novel species of frogs. our behaviour radically. cells – commonly referred to Research for Quantum Jeremy Scahill discussed his and get it up on its feet.” Professor Mary Zournazi “Although you might think as “drunk tanks” – pink, in an Computation & book Dirty Wars: The World is In the Waves of Extinction from the School of Arts and you have a fixed personality, attempt to control aggressive Communication a Battlefield (Nation Books, 2013) panel event, environmental Social Sciences discussed very subtle cues can change inmates. This unusual tactic Technology at UNSW. with veteran Australian journalist humanities lecturers Dr Thom Van our loss of social time in the There are only everything,” says Alter, who actually worked, says Alter. Chris Masters. Dooran and Dr Eben Kirksey spoke Curiosity Lecture Series, while 10 Australian foreign is now Associate Professor of “They swore the prisoners honorary members Irish novelist Eimear McBride about our emotional attachment to UNSW adjunct professor, Marketing and Psychology at became calmer, well-behaved of the Academy. talked about her debut novel species on the edge of extinction alumnus and former Minister New York University’s Stern and more compliant.” For Simmons, revealing an unnamed girl’s with UNSW adjunct professor for Foreign Affairs, Bob Carr, School of Business. “They can In his TEDx talk, he also the distinction of violent past, A Girl is a Half- Deborah Bird Rose. launched his tell-all book, make you more or less honest. referred to an experiment being elected to Formed Thing (Galley Beggar Van Dooran’s book, Flight Diary of a Foreign Minister They can make you more or less done at the coffee machine in join more than Press, 2013), with UNSW’s Ways: Life and Loss at the Edge (NewSouth Publishing, 2014). generous. They can make you a staff room at the University 250 Nobel laureates more or less open-minded.” of Newcastle in the UK, where and leaders from academia, business, In his book Drunk Tank Pink: people were encouraged to drop the humanities and And Other Unexpected Forces a few coins into an honesty jar the arts came as a That Shape How We Think, Feel, when they took a cup of coffee. “complete surprise”. “I wanted to look at the cultural and Behave (Penguin 2013), When the researchers put “I am incredibly dimensions of extinction, and which is on the New York Times a photo of a pair of eyes over honoured to be bestseller list, Alter maintains the jar, staff members gave three elected to the also the philosophical and that colour is just one of many times more money than when American Academy ethical questions it poses.” strategies and ploys used to the researchers put a photo of Arts and Sciences. subliminally control people. of flowers there. This is such an exciting time for quantum computing internationally and our research here DR THOM VAN DOORAN at UNSW is at the SENIOR LECTURER, UNSW SCHOOL OF forefront of this global HUMANITIES AND LANGUAGES effort,” she says. World’s oldest fossil sperm found reserved giant sperm from the UNSW School of Biological, Earth tiny shrimps that lived at least and Environmental Sciences, who has DRINKING CULTURE P17 million years ago have been been excavating at Riversleigh for discovered at Queensland’s Riversleigh more than 35 years. Fewer under-age Australian young Australians from a wide adolescents could have something World Heritage Fossil Site by a team “The Riversleigh fossil deposits adolescents are drinking alcohol, range of regional, socio-economic to do with deep cultural beliefs, including UNSW researchers. in remote north-western Queensland say researchers, and it’s part of a and ethnic backgrounds, NDARC’s increased social concerns about Scientists maintain that the giant have been the site of the discovery worldwide trend. The percentage of Dr Michael Livingston spotted this young drinkers, and subtle changes sperm were longer than the male’s of many extraordinary prehistoric Australians aged 14-17 years old who trend and says there are several in immigration.” entire body, but were tightly coiled Australian animals, such as giant, say they do not drink alcohol has possible explanations. This shift in drinking behaviour up inside the sexual organs of the toothed platypuses and flesh-eating increased from almost a third in 2001 “The Australian population is is good news in a country where fossilised freshwater crustaceans, kangaroos. So we have become used to over half in 2010, research from increasingly multicultural, with 20 years ago one in five drinkers which are known as ostracods. to delightfully unexpected surprises UNSW’s National Drug and Alcohol a steady rise in residents from aged 16-17 reported alcohol-related Above: Professor Mike Archer of the UNSW School of Biological, Earth “These are the oldest fossilised in what turns up there.” Research Centre (NDARC) shows. typically lighter-drinking cultures,” injuries and one in 10 regretted and Environmental Sciences sperm ever found in geological The study is published in the Royal While analysing survey he says. “So the trend toward sexual experiences that were linked record,” says Professor Mike Archer of Society’s Proceedings B journal. responses from more than 2500 alcohol abstention among Australian to their drinking.

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hat a positive Rural Scholarships program. Science and Engineering on and exciting first Like many alumni student start-up programs. half of the year returning to UNSW after many Mike is one of UNSW’s it has been for years, Dr Koh was amazed at most high-profile graduates Wthe UNSW community. the campus transformation. and is co-founder and CEO The University’s Seeing the new Kensington of software company momentum continues to build, Colleges and the creation Atlassian, with fellow UNSW with our students, staff and of a “city within a city” was graduate Scott Farquhar. alumni receiving national and a highlight of his visit. New York-based Dr Allon international recognition. The UNSW campus is best known for selling A number of our star transformation continues technology he created to researchers, including Professors apace; we recently held Google and Twitter, and is Michelle Simmons, Stuart a construction commencement now founder and executive Wenham and David Sinclair, are ceremony for the School of chairman of Urban Compass. making a global impact, as the Mechanical and Manufacturing I am happy to report Vice-Chancellor mentioned in JENNIE Engineering precinct following positive progress on our his welcome message. LANG The University’s strategy This year has also seen a much deeper to further boost our research Vice-President level of engagement with a number of performance is clearly paying Advancement our young alumni; what an impressive dividends. We were named the “rising star” of the Asia-Pacific group they are. region by Nature for our high- quality research publications. UNSW jumped four places to in the world. Let me extend my a substantial philanthropic exciting international alumni be ranked fourth in Australia, congratulations to Del Kathryn donation from businessman initiative, the establishment of according to the 2013 Nature Barton, Margaret O’Neill, Len Ainsworth. The Ainsworth the UNSW Australia Global Publishing Index. Deo-Karan Prasad, Daniel Building is expected to open Circle of Friends. The Nature publishing Petre, Jeremy Balkin, Aihua in January 2015. The Vice-Chancellor and group acknowledged the Wang and Jianhua Zhao. This year has also seen I hosted the inaugural meeting contributions made to UNSW’s It was pleasing to see some a much deeper level of of the board of the UK Friends ranking by the winners of the of our international alumni at engagement with a number in London in May, and we 2013 Prime Minister’s Prizes the awards, including leading of our young alumni; what were grateful that Mr Peter for Science awards, Associate Singapore businessman an impressive group they Harrison has agreed to serve Professor Andrea Morello and Dr Jimmy Koh, an early are. Over the coming months as Foundation Chair. I was Associate Professor Angela Basser College resident, and you will see a number of our delighted to meet a number Moles. You’ll remember Angela Dato Elaine Teh, President of alumni profiled in a new of our alumni at the UNSW was on the cover of our last the UNSW Alumni Chapter marketing campaign for Alumni and Friends Reception issue of UNSWorld. in Singapore – both are student recruitment. and thank Macquarie Group’s I was thrilled to celebrate foundation donors of the In April, the Faculty of London office for hosting us. with the winners of this year’s Alumni Park Appeal. Also Engineering announced the In September, we will host Alumni Awards at the annual joining us from Hong Kong appointment of technology similar events in Hong Kong, awards dinner in May. You was Emeritus Professor David entrepreneurs Mike Cannon- Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, can read in this issue about the Nunan, who is a generous Brookes and Ori Allon as Shanghai and Beijing. I look outstanding contributions that donor to UNSW through the adjunct professors, to advise forward to meeting many of these seven alumni are making David Nunan Residential the School of Computer you at these events.

EVERY CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION…

[email protected] or 61 2 9385 4734

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MESSAGE THEN & NOW

hat a positive Rural Scholarships program. Science and Engineering on and exciting first Like many alumni student start-up programs. half of the year returning to UNSW after many Mike is one of UNSW’s Memory lane it has been for years, Dr Koh was amazed at most high-profile graduates Wthe UNSW community. the campus transformation. and is co-founder and CEO From humble beginnings in 1949, UNSW The University’s Seeing the new Kensington of software company is today a vibrant, world-class university, momentum continues to build, Colleges and the creation Atlassian, with fellow UNSW with our students, staff and of a “city within a city” was graduate Scott Farquhar. offering first-class facilities and attracting alumni receiving national and a highlight of his visit. New York-based Dr Allon talented students from across Australia international recognition. The UNSW campus is best known for selling A number of our star transformation continues technology he created to and around the world. These pictures researchers, including Professors apace; we recently held Google and Twitter, and is will bring back memories for many of our Michelle Simmons, Stuart a construction commencement now founder and executive early graduates. Wenham and David Sinclair, are ceremony for the School of chairman of Urban Compass. making a global impact, as the Mechanical and Manufacturing I am happy to report Vice-Chancellor mentioned in JENNIE Engineering precinct following positive progress on our his welcome message. LANG The University’s strategy This year has also seen a much deeper to further boost our research Vice-President level of engagement with a number of performance is clearly paying Advancement our young alumni; what an impressive dividends. We were named the THEN NOW group they are. Main walk way Main Walkway “rising star” of the Asia-Pacific from Anzac (The Mall) region by Nature for our high- Parade 2014 quality research publications. 1964 UNSW jumped four places to in the world. Let me extend my a substantial philanthropic exciting international alumni be ranked fourth in Australia, congratulations to Del Kathryn donation from businessman initiative, the establishment of according to the 2013 Nature Barton, Margaret O’Neill, Len Ainsworth. The Ainsworth the UNSW Australia Global Publishing Index. Deo-Karan Prasad, Daniel Building is expected to open Circle of Friends. The Nature publishing Petre, Jeremy Balkin, Aihua in January 2015. The Vice-Chancellor and group acknowledged the Wang and Jianhua Zhao. This year has also seen I hosted the inaugural meeting contributions made to UNSW’s It was pleasing to see some a much deeper level of of the board of the UK Friends THEN NOW ranking by the winners of the of our international alumni at engagement with a number in London in May, and we Dormitory Stylish, affordable 2013 Prime Minister’s Prizes the awards, including leading of our young alumni; what were grateful that Mr Peter accommodation and safe student for Science awards, Associate Singapore businessman an impressive group they Harrison has agreed to serve for students accommodation 1963 Kensington Professor Andrea Morello and Dr Jimmy Koh, an early are. Over the coming months as Foundation Chair. I was Colleges Associate Professor Angela Basser College resident, and you will see a number of our delighted to meet a number 2014 Moles. You’ll remember Angela Dato Elaine Teh, President of alumni profiled in a new of our alumni at the UNSW was on the cover of our last the UNSW Alumni Chapter marketing campaign for Alumni and Friends Reception issue of UNSWorld. in Singapore – both are student recruitment. and thank Macquarie Group’s I was thrilled to celebrate foundation donors of the In April, the Faculty of London office for hosting us. with the winners of this year’s Alumni Park Appeal. Also Engineering announced the In September, we will host Alumni Awards at the annual joining us from Hong Kong appointment of technology similar events in Hong Kong, awards dinner in May. You was Emeritus Professor David entrepreneurs Mike Cannon- Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, can read in this issue about the Nunan, who is a generous Brookes and Ori Allon as Shanghai and Beijing. I look THEN NOW outstanding contributions that donor to UNSW through the adjunct professors, to advise forward to meeting many of Lectures State-of-the-art these seven alumni are making David Nunan Residential the School of Computer you at these events. 1964 lectures 2014

EVERY CHILD HAS THE RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION…

The UNSW ASPIRE program aims to address ASPIRE believes we must ensure the imbalance in NSW higher education, the next generation is equipped helping low socio-economic status students to compete on an even footing so THEN NOW achieve greater access to university. that the gap between those with The first Wallace Wurth ASPIRE works with communities to an education and those without is students at Building overcome barriers facing disadvantaged narrowed. UNSW’s medical officially opening students, inspiring them to look past today For more information or to give a gift school 2014 1961 and consider what is possible with higher to the ASPIRE program please contact education. the Program Director Dr Ann Jardine. [email protected] or 61 2 9385 4734 Photo Courtesy:Photo Boardman Brett Architects in Association: Lahz Nimmo and Wilson Architects and Wilson Nimmo Lahz Association: in Architects

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What I know now..

JONATHAN BAROUCH

GETTING THE MEASURE OF IT ALL Jonathan Barouch (BCom’05 MA’06) founded his first start-up at the age of 17, and his business career has bloomed ever since.

onathan Barouch’s career path – creating and develop- social media streams. The business has received Series A ing businesses – seemed set from an early age. He found- funding led by ASX-listed media and communications com- ed his first start-up, Fast Flowers, at the tender age of pany Salmat, and support from the NSW government’s J 17. Fast Flowers was one of Australia’s first e-commerce Mobile Concierge Grant. He lives with his wife and their two businesses, and Barouch ran it while studying at UNSW. He boys in Sydney. graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2005 and His company, Local Measure, has been extensively fea- completed his Masters the following year. He sold the com- tured in media outlets throughout the United States and pany to Jack Singleton’s 1300 Flowers in 2010. Australia, and Barouch regularly speaks on the convergence A year later, Barouch launched a big data platform that of mobile, social and local technologies at conferences includ- intelligently curates and analyses geo-data gathered from ing the prestigious Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco.

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What My childhood was… very happy, honours year in economics. My most exhilarating experiences filled with family and great friends It was one of the most challenging so far… (apart from being I know (many of whom I still have to but rewarding years of my a dad) has been reading press this day). I was fortunate to have life and the feeling of handing coverage or hearing people now.. grown up in a really beautiful in your professionally bound talk positively about my part of Sydney and went to the thesis, is an achievement I will company Local Measure on beach almost every afternoon always remember. the other side of the world. after school. My worst experience while at My greatest achievement… is My parents always said… I could UNSW… I was running my start- the current company I’ve built. achieve whatever I set my mind to. up Fast Flowers at the same time I have taken what I learnt I was an only child of two loving I was doing my commerce degree at UNSW and built upon my parents and an only grandchild to full-time. I remember having previous start-up – which four young-at-heart grandparents, to miss important meetings (or I exited. By adding together all so there was never a moment lectures) while trying to juggle too the things I’ve learnt along the where I wasn’t the centre of the many things at once! way, I have managed to build family’s attention! I made my career choice by… an amazing team, an amazing At school, I… tried my best to following my heart. board and a great product. JONATHAN hide my ineptitude at sport. At UNSW I used to worry about… Others say I… am doggedly I loved learning things like what I’d be doing on the weekend. persistent with a touch of chutzpah BAROUCH French and science and had an Now I worry about… my kids (a Yiddish word for being pushy amazing debating teacher who growing up to be happy, well to get what I want). inspired my interest in politics balanced and fulfilled. The best piece of advice I have and current events (and was The greatest lesson in my career… ever been given is… to not be the reason I went back to uni to to keep things in perspective. afraid to ask. do a Master of Arts majoring in No matter how bad things seem, My greatest unrealised wish is political science at UNSW). there is usually a way around the to… be involved in community My greatest experience while problem; and on the flip side, not organisations that help make at UNSW… was completing my to be complacent about your wins. a difference in peoples’ lives.

Thank you to our Alumni Park Founding Donors

Mr Richard Alcock • Mr Mark Baillie • Mr John Bailye • Mr Robert Barry • Mr Guido Belgiorno-Nettis AM • Ms Laurie Berg • Dr Phillip Brenner • Mr Robert Cameron • Mr John Camilleri • Mr Paul Cave AM • Dr Ben Chng • Dr Tina Clifton • Mr Roger Corbett AO • Mr George Forster • Mrs Kathryn Greiner AO • Dr Holly Forsyth • Mr David Friedlander • Mr Steven Glanz • Mr David Gonski AC • Miss Kate Gonski • Mrs Kerry Gonski • Mr Michael Gonski • Dr Catherine Harris AO PSM • Mr Peter Hearl • Dr Kok Tong Ho • Mr James Hooke • Mrs Jennifer Horder • Dr Lucy Hughes-Turnbull AO • Dr Wallace King AO • Mr Jeremy Kinross • Dato’ David Koh • Dr Jimmy Koh PBM • Mr Geoffrey Levy AO • Dr Thai-Ker Liu • Dr Ronald Lu • Dr James Mackie • Mrs GETTING THE MEASURE OF IT ALL Elizabeth Maher • Professor Ken Maher • Mr Ron Malek • Mr Robert Mansfield AO • Ms Karen Martin • Mrs Catherine Mason • Dr Peter Mason AM • Mrs Jonathan Barouch (BCom’05 MA’06) founded his first Christine McNamee Liddy AO • Mrs Helen Moore • Mr Nicholas Moore • Mr Bruce Morgan • Dr Irene Moss AO • Emeritus Professor John Niland AC • Ms start-up at the age of 17, and his business career has Jacqueline O’Brien • Dr Daniel Petre AO • Mr Julian Reynolds • Ms Maxine bloomed ever since. Rich • Mr Peter Ritchie AO • Mr Paul Robertson AM • Ms Charmaine Roth • Mr John Roth • Mr Stanley Roth AO • Ms Deborah Samuels • Dr Jacqueline Samuels • Dr Selina Samuels • Mr Alvin Sariaatmadja • Mr Eddy Sariaatmadja onathan Barouch’s career path – creating and develop- social media streams. The business has received Series A • Miss Eliza Sariaatmadja • Ms Jillian Segal AM • Mr Ian Simmonds • Dr Colin ing businesses – seemed set from an early age. He found- funding led by ASX-listed media and communications com- Sutton • Dato’ Elaine Teh • Associate Professor Charlie Teo AM • Professor ed his first start-up, Fast Flowers, at the tender age of pany Salmat, and support from the NSW government’s Robyn Ward AM • Associate Professor Orli Wargon OAM • Mr Albert Wong J 17. Fast Flowers was one of Australia’s first e-commerce Mobile Concierge Grant. He lives with his wife and their two businesses, and Barouch ran it while studying at UNSW. He boys in Sydney. If you wish to learn how you can join Chancellor David graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2005 and His company, Local Measure, has been extensively fea- Gonski and our other Founding Donors by giving to Alumni completed his Masters the following year. He sold the com- tured in media outlets throughout the United States and Park please email Stergitsa on [email protected] pany to Jack Singleton’s 1300 Flowers in 2010. Australia, and Barouch regularly speaks on the convergence A year later, Barouch launched a big data platform that of mobile, social and local technologies at conferences includ- intelligently curates and analyses geo-data gathered from ing the prestigious Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco. “My father worked at this University and I graduated here. I am proud that another 12 members of my family are UNSW graduates. Alumni Park offers a terrific opportunity for graduates to have their achievements and attendance at this wonderful university captured in a permanent way.” Page 8 / UNSWorld alumni.unsw.edu.au David Gonski AC, Chancellor

p8-9_Rewind_FINAL.indd 8 16/06/14 11:03 AM p8-9_Rewind_FINAL.indd 9 19/06/14 10:32 AM RESEARCH CHARTING BUDDHISM BY SEA Professor Sarah Kenderdine is bringing to life the story of Buddhism’s spread through Asian sea routes in a new global exhibition based on pioneering international research by more than 30 scholars.

rmed with new evidence and curator, and now specialises in integrating archaeological data and state-of-the-art the design of advanced exhibition and panoramic 3D imagery from camera and projection technologies and content creation. sites in India, Indonesia, Myanmar, technology to create “We are using a very Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, A360-degree panoramic experiences specialised stereoscopic Cambodia, Singapore, Korea, in 3D, Professor Sarah Kenderdine panoramic camera, one of Japan, and South China sites in the of UNSW’s National Institute for only four in the world. This Guangdong region and Hong Kong. Experimental Arts is creating the will be a seminal exhibition Up to 30 visitors at a time Atlas of Maritime Buddhism. using interactive and fully wearing 3D glasses will go inside the Based on cutting-edge research, immersive design. We will 10-by-10-metre panoramic screen, this interactive and immersive have to create new paradigms where they will use a world atlas to exhibition, a partnership with the in data visualisation and navigate along the maritime routes Hong Kong Maritime Museum interactive narrative,” she says. of these significant Buddhist sites. in collaboration with Emeritus The exhibition will present The Atlas will incorporate Professor Lewis Lancaster of the the argument for the spread of panoramic 3D photographs University of California in Berkeley, Buddhism from India, across South- of present-day locations, is set to tour globally. East Asia and into South China archaeological remains, temple The Atlas of Maritime Buddhism by sea routes. Maritime trade and complexes and port cities. Visitors brings together extensive Buddhism were closely interwoven Above: Professor will also encounter the writings archaeological evidence from and the evidence is found in historic Sarah Kenderdine of Chinese seafaring monks who Below: academics throughout India seaports, along the rivers and even Filming with a travelled to India, and Indian and South-East Asia, using GIS in the hinterlands. stereoscopic monks who established monasteries mapping, archaeological imaging This story provides the panoramic camera in China. technologies and 3D panoramic counterbalance to the already well- in Mt Nemrut, Kenderdine emphasises that photographs of numerous sites researched overland route along Turkey the database of archaeological in more than 10 countries. the Silk Road, and completes our materials will also be geo-located “It’s a very exciting project to knowledge of the ‘Great Circle’ of and indexed around particular key be involved in, supported by an historic Buddhism. words in the Atlas. enormous amount of archaeological Kenderdine says the centrepiece If all goes to plan, the Atlas of evidence,” says Kenderdine, who of the exhibition will be an Maritime Buddhism exhibition will started off her career two decades interactive installation open in Hong Kong in 2016, Sydney ago as a maritime archaeologist inside a 360-degree screen, in 2017, and then tour worldwide.

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p10-11_KenderdineWenham_FINAL.indd 10 16/06/14 11:05 AM RESEARCH CHARTING BUDDHISM BY SEA SOLAR ECLIPSE Professor Sarah Kenderdine is bringing to life the story of Buddhism’s spread Scientia Professor through Asian sea routes in a new global exhibition based on pioneering Stuart Wenham and international research by more than 30 scholars. his team of UNSW researchers have rmed with new evidence and curator, and now specialises in integrating archaeological data scooped the world’s and state-of-the-art the design of advanced exhibition and panoramic 3D imagery from camera and projection technologies and content creation. sites in India, Indonesia, Myanmar, richest engineering technology to create “We are using a very Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, award for their A360-degree panoramic experiences specialised stereoscopic Cambodia, Singapore, Korea, ground-breaking in 3D, Professor Sarah Kenderdine panoramic camera, one of Japan, and South China sites in the of UNSW’s National Institute for only four in the world. This Guangdong region and Hong Kong. research into Experimental Arts is creating the will be a seminal exhibition Up to 30 visitors at a time solar cells. Atlas of Maritime Buddhism. using interactive and fully wearing 3D glasses will go inside the Based on cutting-edge research, immersive design. We will 10-by-10-metre panoramic screen, this interactive and immersive have to create new paradigms where they will use a world atlas to exhibition, a partnership with the in data visualisation and navigate along the maritime routes Hong Kong Maritime Museum interactive narrative,” she says. of these significant Buddhist sites. in collaboration with Emeritus The exhibition will present The Atlas will incorporate Professor Lewis Lancaster of the the argument for the spread of panoramic 3D photographs University of California in Berkeley, Buddhism from India, across South- of present-day locations, is set to tour globally. East Asia and into South China archaeological remains, temple The Atlas of Maritime Buddhism by sea routes. Maritime trade and complexes and port cities. Visitors brings together extensive Buddhism were closely interwoven Above: Professor will also encounter the writings archaeological evidence from and the evidence is found in historic Sarah Kenderdine of Chinese seafaring monks who Below: academics throughout India seaports, along the rivers and even Filming with a travelled to India, and Indian and South-East Asia, using GIS in the hinterlands. stereoscopic monks who established monasteries mapping, archaeological imaging This story provides the panoramic camera in China. ustralia received of silicon. However, cheaper silicon Six solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies and 3D panoramic counterbalance to the already well- in Mt Nemrut, Kenderdine emphasises that international recognition also meant lower-quality silicon, companies have already joined photographs of numerous sites researched overland route along Turkey the database of archaeological for leading the world in with more defects and contaminants forces with UNSW as industry in more than 10 countries. the Silk Road, and completes our materials will also be geo-located solar cell performance that reduced efficiency. partners, including China Sunergy. “It’s a very exciting project to knowledge of the ‘Great Circle’ of and indexed around particular key Aand reducing production costs Researchers have known for About 1.6 million Australian homes be involved in, supported by an historic Buddhism. words in the Atlas. after Scientia Professor Wenham several decades that they could currently have rooftop PV with enormous amount of archaeological Kenderdine says the centrepiece If all goes to plan, the Atlas of and his UNSW team won the AF introduce hydrogen atoms into the installations doubling over the past evidence,” says Kenderdine, who of the exhibition will be an Maritime Buddhism exhibition will Harvey Engineering Research Prize atomic structure of silicon to help two years. As prices of solar cells started off her career two decades interactive installation open in Hong Kong in 2016, Sydney from the Institution of Engineering correct these defects but, until now, come down, even more people are ago as a maritime archaeologist inside a 360-degree screen, in 2017, and then tour worldwide. and Technology (IET) in the UK, they had limited success controlling likely to install them. worth $560,000, in January. the hydrogen to maximise its At the London awards ceremony, Wenham’s team at the benefits or even understand why IET president Barry Brooks said that Australian Research Council this happened. Wenham’s pivotal role in solar cell (ARC) Photovoltaics Centre of Using the team’s new research had implications not just for Excellence has discovered ways hydrogenation process, manufacturers Australia but worldwide. to control hydrogen atoms and will now be able to produce lower “His pioneering research correct deficiencies in silicon, the quality silicon at half the cost with and internationally recognised most costly material used in solar better performance than typical leadership in the field photovoltaic cells, making them silicon cells. will enable commercial slightly more efficient than high- When he received the IET exploitation of the technology purity silicon cells. award in London in January for the benefit of the global Standard commercial silicon this year, Wenham said that he community seeking renewable cells currently have a maximum would plough the award money energy solutions at affordable efficiency of about 19 per cent. The back into his team’s research. prices,” Brooks said. “He is a new technique, patented by UNSW “This generous prize will go a truly deserving recipient of the IET researchers last year, is expected to long way to helping us take this AF Harvey Engineering Prize and an produce efficiencies between 21 and research to the next stage. inspiration to all engineers.” 23 per cent, says Wenham. Above: Scientia “Our UNSW team is now Six years ago UNSW’s labs set Professor “Using lower-quality silicon Stuart Wenham working with the world’s biggest the global record for photovoltaic to achieve higher efficiencies, in his lab solar manufacturers through cells, achieving 25 per cent efficiency. we can enable significant cost collaborative agreements with Currently UNSW researchers reductions,” he says. NewSouth Innovations to are trying to reach 30 per cent by The solar industry has long been commercialise this low-cost stacking cells from materials that use focused on bringing down the cost technology,” he said. a wider range of the solar spectrum.

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p10-11_KenderdineWenham_FINAL.indd 10 16/06/14 11:05 AM p10-11_KenderdineWenham_FINAL.indd 11 16/06/14 11:05 AM In 2011, Corrin Varady and Jonathan Okwir spent a month cycling through northern Uganda, speaking with former child soldiers and others. They documented their journey in Road to Freedom Peak

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ONATHAN OKWIR WAS AGED 10 when the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) entered his village in northern Uganda, “We are driven beat up his mother, captured him and other children, tied them together and marched them into the bush in darkness. JHe was starved and terrorised, taught to use a machete and a gun and forced at gunpoint to become by what these a child soldier. “I remember that boy, that boy that I killed, because it was my first time to kill and to cut,” Okwir recalls. Over the last 28 years, the LRA – led by Joseph young people Kony – has abducted more than 20,000 children like Okwir to become frontline fighters in a brutal guerrilla war aiming to overthrow the Ugandan government. Okwir was selected to become a bodyguard to his brigade commander, but he managed to flee a year want to do with later when government troops assassinated the commander in an aerial attack. As Okwir adjusted to life back in his village, on the other side of the world Corrin Varady, a former teen their lives. Some model, had just finished studying at UNSW (BCom ’06, MCom ’08). Varady wanted to become an investment banker. But his life changed dramatically when he spent three months in Tanzania as a volunteer English teacher. “I went to this one school three hours outside go to university, of Arusha (in northern Tanzania) and met Mama Anna. She taught 10 kids in a shelter of bamboo and wood covered in a tarpaulin,” Varady says. “That experience just triggered something profound in me. She treated some learn me as a son.” Varady also travelled to northern Uganda and met former LRA child soldiers, including Okwir. “I asked them what was the number one thing they wanted. If you asked that question to teenagers in Australia they would a trade...” say ‘Xbox’ or something like that. These kids wanted an education; to get out of their villages where people were abusing them and do something productive.” When Okwir first met Varady, he says he knew that he was different. “I realised right away that he was a very good mzungu (white person) when he kept his promises,” he says. And Varady did exactly that. Soon after returning CORRIN VARADY ON THE ROLE OF home, he established World Youth Education Trust HIS CHARITY (WYET), now a registered charity in the UK and Australia which operates in northern Uganda and Tanzania. It has established two schools, enrolling

In 2011, Corrin Varady and Jonathan Okwir spent a month cycling through northern Uganda, Means for change speaking with former child soldiers and others. They Corrin Varady, an alumnus of UNSW’s business school, is helping to direct documented their journey in Road to Freedom Peak philanthropic investment in education in Uganda and Tanzania, to create a brighter future for former child soldiers and other local students, writes Melinda Ham.

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more than 2500 students, many of 5000 supporters to watch their them former child soldiers, with a games. They are becoming confident third on full-boarding and academic young women.” scholarships. Mama Anna’s school Recently, in a bid to bring the has now grown to 580 students. stories of Okwir – who has now “We are funded by ultra-high become a WYET ambassador – and net worth individuals in the US, the other former child soldiers to a UK and Australia,” Varady says. global audience, Varady made a “A lot of people now have charity documentary, Road to Freedom Peak, fatigue but we show them that which aired on Foxtel in March. this is a good investment. All the Filmed in 2011, the documentary schools make a small profit and then charts the journey of Varady and it is re-invested. The schools are Okwir as they spent a month cycling sustainable, social enterprises.” through villages and refugee camps WYET is in the process of in northern Uganda, speaking with building another school, which former child soldiers and villagers, will be one of the first totally digital encouraging them to face their education institutions in Africa; should they be denied access to Corrin Varady, shared pasts and find a future. Jonathan Okwir the children will learn with tablets, digital resources? It’s actually more and some of the “When I met them it brought computers, smart boards and expensive to ship second-hand school children my memories back,” Okwir explains. other technology. textbooks there than tablets.” He that WYET “It was a harsh connection Varady’s latest initiative is emphasises that WYET doesn’t supports and brought flashbacks to me a for-profit social enterprise, the give people handouts but the of the bush.” Institute of Digital Education Africa means to change themselves. The film also follows the pair (IDEA), which creates education And an oft-forgotten fact is that to the UK where Okwir received content on digital devices in line half the LRA child soldiers were his Duke of Edinburgh Award at a with the Ugandan and Tanzanian girls; fighting on the front line by special ceremony at Buckingham syllabuses. Students will access the day and being sex slaves by night. Palace. The climax is when they internet, see virtual lab experiments, In 2010, WYET established a girls- make the arduous climb to the top watch documentaries, participate only football team, with 85 per cent of Mount Kilimanjaro, known as in discussion forums and discover of the players being former child Uhuru (Freedom Peak) in Kiswahili. other multi-media learning. soldiers. They currently play in a But there are many confronting “I have never understood WYET-sponsored Ugandan national moments, too, including when the mentality of sending women’s league. a village chairman describes how second-hand clothes and used “People used to hurl abuse some LRA soldiers attacked his textbooks to Africa,” Varady and stones at our girls and try village. “A boy of seven came up says. “Why do these people to cut them,” Varady says. “Now to me and started chopping my deserve less than we do? Why they turn out in crowds of over fingers off,” he says, as the camera pans to his fingerless hand. Okwir emphasises that even in the current situation, when a whole generation is damaged by their involvement with the LRA, there is “He manages to amie Camidge, Telstra’s director still hope. “Our people in northern inspire and bring these of strategy, is one of WYET’s donors. He describes Corrin Varady Uganda believe in forgiveness,” he like-minded people as “one of those high-energy says. “If you do not forgive, it will J not get you anywhere. You have to together to contribute people who always has a constant ethical to his schools... Corrin and moral compass.” move on with life.” Two and a half years ago, Camidge And as he reconciles his has such a passion for travelled to East Africa himself to do own past, Okwir – now aged his projects you are a fundraising climb of Mt Kilimanjaro for 22 – is also forging his future, compelled to be part WYET over six days. He also spent a week finishing his final exams at high visiting the WYET-funded schools. school in Uganda. He’s hoping, of it, to buy into it.” Varady’s charity and social enterprise perhaps, to begin a Foundation model is also quite unique and attractive Year at UNSW in Sydney in 2016. to donors, Camidge adds. “Corrin’s vision His nickname is “Obama” and to introduce these African children to Okwir’s dream is to one day modern technology is hugely exciting and become a leader of his people. he has the tenacity to see it through,” he Today, Varady still keeps in says. “I deal directly with him and when close touch with UNSW. Recently, I give him a dollar I know how that dollar he inspired an audience of JAMIE CAMIDGE gets spent. I’ve actually seen how the TELSTRA’S DIRECTOR 120 alumni at the Young Alumni dollar gets spent.” OF STRATEGY Networking drinks in March, / WYET DONOR describing his journey to establish WYET and film his documentary.

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more than 2500 students, many of 5000 supporters to watch their them former child soldiers, with a games. They are becoming confident third on full-boarding and academic young women.” scholarships. Mama Anna’s school Recently, in a bid to bring the A Vivid reflection has now grown to 580 students. stories of Okwir – who has now “We are funded by ultra-high become a WYET ambassador – and Vin and Priyanka Rathod, two UNSW Built Environment net worth individuals in the US, the other former child soldiers to a graduates, celebrate light, rainbows and refraction at Vivid UK and Australia,” Varady says. global audience, Varady made a “A lot of people now have charity documentary, Road to Freedom Peak, Sydney’s winter festival of light, writes Melinda Ham. fatigue but we show them that which aired on Foxtel in March. this is a good investment. All the Filmed in 2011, the documentary he rainbow-coloured and ideas now embraces Sydney’s schools make a small profit and then charts the journey of Varady and light dances and bends, Darling Harbour, Martin Place, Star it is re-invested. The schools are Okwir as they spent a month cycling depending on what angle Casino, Circular Quay and The Rocks sustainable, social enterprises.” through villages and refugee camps you look at it and the time for 18 days in winter. It also includes WYET is in the process of in northern Uganda, speaking with Tof day. If it’s illuminated with brilliantly coloured light projections Right: Priyanka building another school, which former child soldiers and villagers, either sunlight or LED light, this on the sails of the Opera House, the and Vin Rathod will be one of the first totally digital encouraging them to face their architectural installation reflects MCA, the Customs House, Cadman’s Below: Their installation, education institutions in Africa; should they be denied access to Corrin Varady, shared pasts and find a future. and refracts passing people’s faces Cottage and other iconic buildings. Jonathan Okwir “Kaleido-Wall the children will learn with tablets, digital resources? It’s actually more and some of the “When I met them it brought against the backdrop of the iconic Vin Rathod says the inspiration 1.0” by day computers, smart boards and expensive to ship second-hand school children my memories back,” Okwir explains. sails of the Sydney Opera House, for their Vivid artwork comes from other technology. textbooks there than tablets.” He that WYET “It was a harsh connection creating a unique mosaic each time. his experience as a child, when Varady’s latest initiative is emphasises that WYET doesn’t supports and brought flashbacks to me “Kaleido-Wall 1.0”, made out he was intrigued with his toy a for-profit social enterprise, the give people handouts but the of the bush.” of mirror-finish acrylic panels, is kaleidoscope. “The endlessly Institute of Digital Education Africa means to change themselves. The film also follows the pair one of more than 75 works of art shifting, glittering patterns of (IDEA), which creates education And an oft-forgotten fact is that to the UK where Okwir received in this year’s Vivid festival. It was colour and intricate shapes content on digital devices in line half the LRA child soldiers were his Duke of Edinburgh Award at a created by Priyanka and Vin Rathod, always caught my eye and with the Ugandan and Tanzanian girls; fighting on the front line by special ceremony at Buckingham both practising architects and I wanted to make a large-scale syllabuses. Students will access the day and being sex slaves by night. Palace. The climax is when they UNSW graduates (MArch’06 and art installation based on this internet, see virtual lab experiments, In 2010, WYET established a girls- make the arduous climb to the top MCPM’07 respectively). concept,” he says. watch documentaries, participate only football team, with 85 per cent of Mount Kilimanjaro, known as This is Vivid’s eighth year. The His partner, Priyanka Rathod, in discussion forums and discover of the players being former child Uhuru (Freedom Peak) in Kiswahili. dynamic festival of art, light, music says that after coming from Mumbai other multi-media learning. soldiers. They currently play in a But there are many confronting “I have never understood WYET-sponsored Ugandan national moments, too, including when the mentality of sending women’s league. a village chairman describes how second-hand clothes and used “People used to hurl abuse some LRA soldiers attacked his textbooks to Africa,” Varady and stones at our girls and try village. “A boy of seven came up says. “Why do these people to cut them,” Varady says. “Now to me and started chopping my deserve less than we do? Why they turn out in crowds of over fingers off,” he says, as the camera pans to his fingerless hand. Okwir emphasises that even in the current situation, when a whole generation is damaged by their involvement with the LRA, there is “He manages to amie Camidge, Telstra’s director still hope. “Our people in northern inspire and bring these of strategy, is one of WYET’s donors. He describes Corrin Varady Uganda believe in forgiveness,” he like-minded people as “one of those high-energy says. “If you do not forgive, it will J not get you anywhere. You have to together to contribute people who always has a constant ethical to his schools... Corrin and moral compass.” move on with life.” Two and a half years ago, Camidge And as he reconciles his has such a passion for travelled to East Africa himself to do own past, Okwir – now aged his projects you are a fundraising climb of Mt Kilimanjaro for 22 – is also forging his future, compelled to be part WYET over six days. He also spent a week finishing his final exams at high visiting the WYET-funded schools. school in Uganda. He’s hoping, of it, to buy into it.” Varady’s charity and social enterprise perhaps, to begin a Foundation model is also quite unique and attractive Year at UNSW in Sydney in 2016. to donors, Camidge adds. “Corrin’s vision His nickname is “Obama” and to introduce these African children to Okwir’s dream is to one day modern technology is hugely exciting and become a leader of his people. he has the tenacity to see it through,” he Today, Varady still keeps in says. “I deal directly with him and when close touch with UNSW. Recently, I give him a dollar I know how that dollar he inspired an audience of JAMIE CAMIDGE gets spent. I’ve actually seen how the TELSTRA’S DIRECTOR 120 alumni at the Young Alumni dollar gets spent.” OF STRATEGY Networking drinks in March, / WYET DONOR describing his journey to establish WYET and film his documentary.

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to study postgraduate degrees at without damage, perfectly slotting UNSW in Sydney in 2005, Vivid had into place with no glue or nails. always been the couple’s favourite The artwork depends on outdoor public art event, and this three layers of reflection to create year they were determined to enter its illusion, Vin explains. “The a design for the first time. first layer is a kaleidoscope of “After an initial shortlist, LED lights. Introduction of LED there was an interview where we lights within the depth of the artwork presented a physical model,” she was very critical for this layer to says. “It was absolutely thrilling work,” he says. to see the [selection] panel was “The next layer is the as excited as us looking at the reflection of people and their reflections through the model.” movements. The third reflects Once their work was selected the Opera House with its for the festival, Priyanka and colourful projection, specially Vin set about creating the full- designed for the event. size installation. Priyanka was the For this, the location and project manager, procuring the placement are as important Vin has “gifted” sculptures to materials and coordinating the as the actual artwork.” friends and relatives for years. Gift of study different suppliers, contractors and On opening night the architect This experience motivated them a light specialist, who came to the couple went down to Circular Quay Above: Children to submit a proposal for next Engineering student Jasmine marvelling at pair’s Manly studio. to blend incognito with the other “Kaleido-Wall year’s Vivid as well as Sculpture Drayton is the inaugural recipient of “Working on the project during onlookers, to observe the reaction to 1.0” by the Sea, the spring sculpture our holidays, through Anzac Day, their installation. Below: Against festival on the coastline from a Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Appeal the Easter holidays, was totally full- “It was a big high,” Vin says. the backdrop of Bondi to Tamarama. And they Scholarship donated by science Sydney Harbour on, 24/7,” Vin says. “But it was so “It was so exciting to see that kids hope they’ll make it through the alumnus Dr Christina Hart, creative that I loved it.” and people of all ages loved it selection process. They used a laser cutter to and many posted it on Instagram. Both Vin and Priyanka reports Melinda Ham. transfer their Computer Aided In architecture, you rarely get work full-time for residential Drawing onto the mirror-finished feedback, only criticism, and and commercial architectural acrylic sheets and develop a here it was instantaneous. It’s the practices in Sydney. Vin is also 1.2m deep lattice. But the completed biggest plus.” a professional photographer: last s a child growing Rural Scholarship. massive lecture halls, Third World, such as water artwork packs completely flat, This is the Rathods’ first public year he won two divisions of up in Ballina on “I wish I could meet everyone is really friendly. treatment if possible,” she so is easy to transport, assemble exhibition of a purely artistic the International Photography the northern NSW the donors who gave me The lecturers and tutors are says. “With engineering, and disassemble repeatedly architectural installation, although Awards, based in Los Angeles. coast, Jasmine the scholarships,” she says. all very, very good. It’s far it’s really quite limitless; DraytonA was always very “I hope I will at some point, exceeded my expectations,” the application of your passionate about Maths and then I could thank them Drayton says. knowledge can solve an and also often built Lego so, so much. I can’t believe Drayton lives on array of problems.” structures until she was their generosity. I wouldn’t campus at Shalom College, And what does Drayton about 13 years old. “I love the be able to be at university an inter-denominational miss about Ballina, now she’s satisfaction of working out without them. It’s upsetting residential college. living away from home? a problem,” she says. to think of that!” “It definitely makes “I miss seeing the stars Her dad’s hobby is Drayton is the inaugural the uni experience a lot and the peace and quiet,” building and repairing recipient of a Vice-Chancellor’s better living on campus,” she says. “And of course wooden furniture and Alumni Appeal Scholarship tables, and generally being donated by science alumnus “I also would like to work on projects in the a handyperson fixing things Dr Christina Hart, in memory Third World, such as water treatment, if around the house. Drayton of her father, the late Emeritus thinks she has inherited Professor Antoni Karbowiak possible. With engineering, it’s really quite some of her fascination with (1923-2011). Karbowiak was limitless; the application of your knowledge creating things from him. the Chair of Communications can solve an array of problems.” Now in the first semester in the School of Electrical of a Bachelor of Engineering Engineering at UNSW (Chemical Engineering) at for many years and an UNSW, Drayton is on her enthusiastic advocate for she comments. “The first my friends and family… way to fulfilling her dream female university education. week or two it was difficult, but that’s probably about it, to work as an engineer in the Hart believes that this adjusting to living with so because I really am so happy developing world. scholarship is a fitting tribute many people, but now I feel to be here.” But the 18-year-old says to her father. very comfortable.” she would not have been able Karbowiak would also be During her four-year It is not too late to give to this to afford to study at UNSW encouraged that now more degree, Drayton hopes to do year’s Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni without the support of the than a third of Drayton’s an industry internship and Scholarship Appeal. Please Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni chemical engineering class is go on exchange overseas. find the donation form in this Appeal Scholarship and made up of female students. “I also would like to magazine or complete a donation a Faculty of Engineering “Even though we have work on projects in the form online at giving.unsw.edu.au

UNSWorld / Page 17 Page 16 / UNSWorld alumni.unsw.edu.au

p15-17_ImpactVivid_AlumniAppeal_FINAL.indd 17 16/06/14 12:07 PM p15-17_ImpactVivid_AlumniAppeal_FINAL.indd 16 17/06/14 4:48 PM IMPACT ALUMNI APPEAL to study postgraduate degrees at without damage, perfectly slotting UNSW in Sydney in 2005, Vivid had into place with no glue or nails. always been the couple’s favourite The artwork depends on outdoor public art event, and this three layers of reflection to create year they were determined to enter its illusion, Vin explains. “The a design for the first time. first layer is a kaleidoscope of “After an initial shortlist, LED lights. Introduction of LED there was an interview where we lights within the depth of the artwork presented a physical model,” she was very critical for this layer to says. “It was absolutely thrilling work,” he says. to see the [selection] panel was “The next layer is the as excited as us looking at the reflection of people and their reflections through the model.” movements. The third reflects Once their work was selected the Opera House with its for the festival, Priyanka and colourful projection, specially Vin set about creating the full- designed for the event. size installation. Priyanka was the For this, the location and project manager, procuring the placement are as important Vin has “gifted” sculptures to materials and coordinating the as the actual artwork.” friends and relatives for years. Gift of study different suppliers, contractors and On opening night the architect This experience motivated them a light specialist, who came to the couple went down to Circular Quay Above: Children to submit a proposal for next Engineering student Jasmine marvelling at pair’s Manly studio. to blend incognito with the other “Kaleido-Wall year’s Vivid as well as Sculpture Drayton is the inaugural recipient of “Working on the project during onlookers, to observe the reaction to 1.0” by the Sea, the spring sculpture our holidays, through Anzac Day, their installation. Below: Against festival on the coastline from a Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Appeal the Easter holidays, was totally full- “It was a big high,” Vin says. the backdrop of Bondi to Tamarama. And they Scholarship donated by science Sydney Harbour on, 24/7,” Vin says. “But it was so “It was so exciting to see that kids hope they’ll make it through the alumnus Dr Christina Hart, creative that I loved it.” and people of all ages loved it selection process. They used a laser cutter to and many posted it on Instagram. Both Vin and Priyanka reports Melinda Ham. transfer their Computer Aided In architecture, you rarely get work full-time for residential Drawing onto the mirror-finished feedback, only criticism, and and commercial architectural acrylic sheets and develop a here it was instantaneous. It’s the practices in Sydney. Vin is also 1.2m deep lattice. But the completed biggest plus.” a professional photographer: last s a child growing Rural Scholarship. massive lecture halls, Third World, such as water artwork packs completely flat, This is the Rathods’ first public year he won two divisions of up in Ballina on “I wish I could meet everyone is really friendly. treatment if possible,” she so is easy to transport, assemble exhibition of a purely artistic the International Photography the northern NSW the donors who gave me The lecturers and tutors are says. “With engineering, and disassemble repeatedly architectural installation, although Awards, based in Los Angeles. coast, Jasmine the scholarships,” she says. all very, very good. It’s far it’s really quite limitless; DraytonA was always very “I hope I will at some point, exceeded my expectations,” the application of your passionate about Maths and then I could thank them Drayton says. knowledge can solve an and also often built Lego so, so much. I can’t believe Drayton lives on array of problems.” structures until she was their generosity. I wouldn’t campus at Shalom College, And what does Drayton about 13 years old. “I love the be able to be at university an inter-denominational miss about Ballina, now she’s satisfaction of working out without them. It’s upsetting residential college. living away from home? a problem,” she says. to think of that!” “It definitely makes “I miss seeing the stars Her dad’s hobby is Drayton is the inaugural the uni experience a lot and the peace and quiet,” building and repairing recipient of a Vice-Chancellor’s better living on campus,” she says. “And of course wooden furniture and Alumni Appeal Scholarship tables, and generally being donated by science alumnus “I also would like to work on projects in the a handyperson fixing things Dr Christina Hart, in memory Third World, such as water treatment, if around the house. Drayton of her father, the late Emeritus thinks she has inherited Professor Antoni Karbowiak possible. With engineering, it’s really quite some of her fascination with (1923-2011). Karbowiak was limitless; the application of your knowledge creating things from him. the Chair of Communications can solve an array of problems.” Now in the first semester in the School of Electrical of a Bachelor of Engineering Engineering at UNSW (Chemical Engineering) at for many years and an UNSW, Drayton is on her enthusiastic advocate for she comments. “The first my friends and family… way to fulfilling her dream female university education. week or two it was difficult, but that’s probably about it, to work as an engineer in the Hart believes that this adjusting to living with so because I really am so happy developing world. scholarship is a fitting tribute many people, but now I feel to be here.” But the 18-year-old says to her father. very comfortable.” she would not have been able Karbowiak would also be During her four-year It is not too late to give to this to afford to study at UNSW encouraged that now more degree, Drayton hopes to do year’s Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni without the support of the than a third of Drayton’s an industry internship and Scholarship Appeal. Please Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni chemical engineering class is go on exchange overseas. find the donation form in this Appeal Scholarship and made up of female students. “I also would like to magazine or complete a donation a Faculty of Engineering “Even though we have work on projects in the form online at giving.unsw.edu.au

UNSWorld / Page 17 Page 16 / UNSWorld alumni.unsw.edu.au

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From left: Professor Iain Martin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and alumnus Paul Cameron Alumni attending the Alumni Reception in the UK NEW ZEALAND RECEPTION UK RECEPTION rofessor Iain Martin, from UNSW (BTech’97) and a ore than 60 graduates particularly the new college Deputy Vice-Chancellor graduate of the Royal Canadian joined Professor Fred residences available to P(Academic) and Air Force Aerospace Systems MHilmer, UNSW Vice- students in 2014. Jennie Lang, Vice-President post-graduate course. Chancellor, on 13 May 2014, Earlier in the day, he had Advancement, hosted an Cameron is the co-founder at the Macquarie Group offices addressed the inaugural UK inaugural alumni reception in and CEO of Booktrack, which in London for the annual Friends of UNSW Australia Auckland on 9 April 2014. uses technology to synchronise Alumni Reception. The Vice- Board meeting. The initial Paul Cameron, who attended audio with text, to create an Chancellor shared exciting membership of the board the event, volunteered to work immersive reading experience. developments at UNSW includes Peter Harrison with the Alumni office to ensure Books published by Booktrack including research strengths, (BCom’69) (Chair), Andrew we offer more regular networking include a customised, hand- rankings, improvements in Rubio (BCom’84), Melinda events for New Zealand alumni. created soundtrack that matches students’ experience and Wallman (BA’90, LLB’92) and For over a decade Cameron the action in the text. As readers campus transformation – Julian Liddy (BComLLB’03). flew as an officer with the Royal go through the text, the music, New Zealand Air Force. He is a sound effects and ambient audio qualified aeronautical engineer change to reflect the plot.

Alumnus and UK Board member Julian Liddy UNSW alumni at the reception in Auckland (second from left) with fellow alumni

UPCOMING EVENTS For more information, and to register for these events, please If you reside in Hong Hong Kong: visit the alumni website alumni.unsw.edu.au. Kong, Singapore, 17 September 2014 The Alumni and Community Engagement office welcomes ideas Malaysia or China, or Singapore: from all alumni about the events and engagement most relevant if you are travelling for 18 September 2014 to your profession and location. Please email Stergitsa Zamagias work to any of these Kuala Lumpur: with your ideas. [email protected] locations, please join us 20 September 2014 at the upcoming annual Shanghai: And don’t forget to share with us, if you Alumni and Friends 23 September 2014 haven’t already, your UNSW Family Tree. receptions hosted by the Beijing: myunswfamilytree.unsw.edu.au Vice-Chancellor. 24 September 2014

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GLOBAL CONNECTIONS IN MEMORY VALE EMERITUS PROFESSOR FREDERICK AYSCOUGH 1920–2014

of School of Chemical Engineering, and became From left: Professor Iain Martin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) and alumnus Paul Cameron Alumni attending the Alumni Reception in the UK UNSW’s first Vice-Chancellor. At the time, Baxter was very dependent on Ayscough to develop the school’s academic NEW ZEALAND RECEPTION UK RECEPTION programs and facilities, including the move to “the rofessor Iain Martin, from UNSW (BTech’97) and a ore than 60 graduates particularly the new college huts” at the Kensington site in Deputy Vice-Chancellor graduate of the Royal Canadian joined Professor Fred residences available to 1952. Chemical Engineering P(Academic) and Air Force Aerospace Systems MHilmer, UNSW Vice- students in 2014. was the first school to move Jennie Lang, Vice-President post-graduate course. Chancellor, on 13 May 2014, Earlier in the day, he had east from Ultimo to the Advancement, hosted an Cameron is the co-founder at the Macquarie Group offices addressed the inaugural UK Kensington Campus. inaugural alumni reception in and CEO of Booktrack, which in London for the annual Friends of UNSW Australia In 1959, the School of Auckland on 9 April 2014. uses technology to synchronise Alumni Reception. The Vice- Board meeting. The initial Chemical Engineering was Paul Cameron, who attended audio with text, to create an Chancellor shared exciting membership of the board divided into two schools the event, volunteered to work immersive reading experience. developments at UNSW includes Peter Harrison and Ayscough became the with the Alumni office to ensure Books published by Booktrack including research strengths, (BCom’69) (Chair), Andrew Foundation Professor and we offer more regular networking include a customised, hand- rankings, improvements in Rubio (BCom’84), Melinda Head of School of Chemical events for New Zealand alumni. created soundtrack that matches students’ experience and Wallman (BA’90, LLB’92) and Technology, a position he For over a decade Cameron the action in the text. As readers campus transformation – Julian Liddy (BComLLB’03). held until 1977 when he flew as an officer with the Royal go through the text, the music, moved to Hong Kong to New Zealand Air Force. He is a sound effects and ambient audio become Associate Director qualified aeronautical engineer change to reflect the plot. of Applied Science at the HK Polytechnic (now the HK Emeritus Professor Frederick Polytechnic University). Ayscough (right) After his retirement with one of his in 1986, Ayscough returned students at UNSW, to Australia where his Dr Sastrosunarto Hartarto (BSc’59 life turned full circle when HonDSc’93) he took up cattle and sheep farming. He had a huge influence on UNSW during his time there, serving as Chairman of the Faculty of Applied Alumnus and UK Board member Julian Liddy Science (1963–70), and spent UNSW alumni at the reception in Auckland (second from left) with fellow alumni several periods as Acting Dean of the faculty. Ayscough was an outstanding academic leader, a great teacher UPCOMING EVENTS rederick Ayscough College, before moving and a very active applied For more information, and to register for these events, please was born to a farming officially to the then New researcher. He had a great If you reside in Hong Hong Kong: visit the alumni website alumni.unsw.edu.au. family in Wagga Wagga South Wales University of influence on the careers Kong, Singapore, 17 September 2014 in 1920. He achieved his Technology, as a chemistry of students and staff and The Alumni and Community Engagement office welcomes ideas Fambition to become a teacher lecturer, in 1951. A year later, many of us valued his role Malaysia or China, or Singapore: from all alumni about the events and engagement most relevant when he studied chemistry at he was appointed as a lecturer as a mentor and friend. if you are travelling for 18 September 2014 to your profession and location. Please email Stergitsa Zamagias the University of Sydney and in chemical engineering and He was a truly wonderful work to any of these Kuala Lumpur: with your ideas. [email protected] graduated in 1942. was quickly promoted to man who sadly passed away locations, please join us 20 September 2014 In 1944, after a brief period Senior Lecturer (1953) and in March this year after at the upcoming annual Shanghai: And don’t forget to share with us, if you as chief chemist at W Hermon Associate Professor (1957). contributing so much to Alumni and Friends 23 September 2014 Slade & Co., he began his Philip (later Sir Philip) so many. haven’t already, your UNSW Family Tree. academic career as a chemistry Baxter was the Foundation Written by Emeritus receptions hosted by the Beijing: myunswfamilytree.unsw.edu.au teacher at the Sydney Technical Professor, and the Head Professor Mark Wainwright Vice-Chancellor. 24 September 2014

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“It was, indeed, within one of these spaces that my work first came to the attention of a Sydney Applauding Success gallerist who offered to represent me. This was my dream moment ... From optometry to fine art, from sustainability to and in many ways where entrepreneurship and philanthropy, our finest alumni my art career began.” receive recognition for their success.

NSW’s impact on the careers and federal governments started funding and lives of its students was the project. “The most common question on full display at this year’s I got asked at that time was how often I DEL KATHRYN BARTON annual Alumni Awards dinner, took a bath,” O’Neill said laughing. ARTS AND DESIGN AWARD Uas several former students acknowledged As an optometry student at UNSW how their lives had changed as a result of she never imagined that her career would their experience at university – and there take her all over Australia and the world. was more than one occasion where eyes “The people I meet and the people I work “The people I meet grew a little shiny with tears. with constantly remind me of my own For many it was an emotional evening humanity,” she said. and the people I work as bright minds, high achievers and For his work in both philanthropy with constantly philanthropists enjoyed a night out and global business, Daniel Petre remind me of my in a grand marquee on the site of the (BSc’81 HonDBus’13) was awarded Alumni Park. Even Chancellor David the Business award. own humanity.” Gonski admitted to having several lump- Petre described himself as “a in-the-throat moments. complete nerd” during his student days, Del Kathryn Barton (BFA’94), winner working into the early hours in the of the Art Gallery of NSW’s Archibald computer rooms or Maths department Prize in both 2008 and 2013 – and whose doing a double degree in half the time art features in numerous Australian it was meant to take. He focused on and international collections – said that computers after first missing out on the university helps nourish “the life getting into medicine and then narrowly blood of our culture”, and in particular failing selection to train as a fighter pilot. she praises the extensive spaces for “It’s only in recent years that I’ve MARGARET O’NEILL graduates to exhibit. come to realise how fortunate I was to COMMUNITY-AT-LARGE “I can’t stress enough how critical receive an outstanding education at this AWARD these early exhibiting experiences were university,” he said. “Over the last few for me, rigorously informing my studio years I’ve attempted to rectify my early practice and shaping an understanding of lack of recognition of the role UNSW where my work might find a place within played in my success.” the broader arts community,” she said, Petre has worked around the world “Some of my PhD accepting the Arts and Design award. in technology companies, including nine students are deans “It was, indeed, within one of these years at Microsoft. He was Vice-President spaces that my work first came to the of Microsoft’s Workgroup Division, or advisers to energy attention of a Sydney gallerist who where he worked closely with Bill ministers in Europe offered to represent me,” she said. This Gates and developed products such as and other places ... was my dream moment... and in many Microsoft Exchange and Outlook. ways where my art career began.” UNSW Scientia Professor Deo-Karan these are the things Margaret O’Neill (BOptom’91 Hons) Prasad (MArch’88, MSc’90, PhD’93) that keep you excited.” received the Community-At-Large received the Science award. Prasad is an award for her work in Aboriginal health, international authority on sustainable establishing Australia’s most successful buildings and cities and has chaired the and sustainable eye-care service, the regional UN Global Civil Society Forum. Northern Eye Care Program, in the When he accepted the award, Prasad Northern Territory. described how he’d left a village in Fiji, Initially, she invested so much of his homeland, to come to the university. SCIENTIA PROFESSOR her own money in the program that she He’d been working in resettlement and DEO-KARAN PRASAD couldn’t afford accommodation and lived realised that the villagers didn’t just need SCIENCE AWARD in her car for two years, until the state buildings, but a sustainable future.

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NSW’s impact on the careers and federal governments started funding In 20 years as the director of the and lives of its students was the project. “The most common question UNSW Centre for a Sustainable Built on full display at this year’s I got asked at that time was how often I Environment, he has turned the DEL KATHRYN BARTON annual Alumni Awards dinner, took a bath,” O’Neill said laughing. ARTS AND DESIGN AWARD organisation into a national centre for Uas several former students acknowledged As an optometry student at UNSW excellence in sustainability. Leading UNSW how their lives had changed as a result of she never imagined that her career would in a five-university consortium, Prasad their experience at university – and there take her all over Australia and the world. recently won the largest-ever grant in the was more than one occasion where eyes “The people I meet and the people I work “The people I meet “Over the last few built environment from the Cooperative grew a little shiny with tears. with constantly remind me of my own Research Centre for Low Carbon Living. For many it was an emotional evening humanity,” she said. and the people I work years I’ve attempted This year’s Young Alumni award as bright minds, high achievers and For his work in both philanthropy with constantly to rectify my early lack went to Jeremy Balkin (BCom’05) for his philanthropists enjoyed a night out and global business, Daniel Petre remind me of my of recognition of the work in banking, finance and philanthropy. in a grand marquee on the site of the (BSc’81 HonDBus’13) was awarded In 2012, Balkin left his job at Macquarie Alumni Park. Even Chancellor David the Business award. own humanity.” role UNSW played in Private Bank to set up Karma Capital, Gonski admitted to having several lump- Petre described himself as “a my success.” advising wealthy Australians how to in-the-throat moments. complete nerd” during his student days, become philanthropists. Del Kathryn Barton (BFA’94), winner working into the early hours in the He also established his own not-for- of the Art Gallery of NSW’s Archibald computer rooms or Maths department profit organisation, Give While You Live, Prize in both 2008 and 2013 – and whose doing a double degree in half the time and in the last three years has raised art features in numerous Australian it was meant to take. He focused on millions for the charity by running the and international collections – said that computers after first missing out on Boston, Chicago, New York and London the university helps nourish “the life getting into medicine and then narrowly marathons and climbing Mt Everest. blood of our culture”, and in particular failing selection to train as a fighter pilot. Balkin has spoken at the World she praises the extensive spaces for “It’s only in recent years that I’ve MARGARET O’NEILL Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and graduates to exhibit. come to realise how fortunate I was to COMMUNITY-AT-LARGE DANIEL PETRE at the UN in New York. The Huffington “I can’t stress enough how critical receive an outstanding education at this AWARD BUSINESS AWARD Post described him as “the Anti-Wolf of these early exhibiting experiences were university,” he said. “Over the last few Wall Street”. He was unable to attend the for me, rigorously informing my studio years I’ve attempted to rectify my early Alumni Awards dinner in person. practice and shaping an understanding of lack of recognition of the role UNSW Dr Jianhua Zhao (PhD’90) and his where my work might find a place within played in my success.” wife Dr Aihua Wang (PhD’93) won the the broader arts community,” she said, Petre has worked around the world “Some of my PhD International Alumni award for their work accepting the Arts and Design award. in technology companies, including nine students are deans developing high-efficiency cSi PERL solar “It was, indeed, within one of these years at Microsoft. He was Vice-President cells and setting the world record for spaces that my work first came to the of Microsoft’s Workgroup Division, or advisers to energy energy conversion efficiency in 1999. attention of a Sydney gallerist who where he worked closely with Bill ministers in Europe After finishing their doctorates, the offered to represent me,” she said. This Gates and developed products such as and other places ... couple stayed on at UNSW contributing was my dream moment... and in many Microsoft Exchange and Outlook. to the university’s solar cell research until ways where my art career began.” UNSW Scientia Professor Deo-Karan these are the things 2006. Then Zhao and Wang joined China Margaret O’Neill (BOptom’91 Hons) Prasad (MArch’88, MSc’90, PhD’93) that keep you excited.” Sunergy (Nanjing) Co, one of China’s received the Community-At-Large received the Science award. Prasad is an largest solar companies. In 2013 they award for her work in Aboriginal health, international authority on sustainable received the Advance Global Australian establishing Australia’s most successful buildings and cities and has chaired the Award for their research. and sustainable eye-care service, the regional UN Global Civil Society Forum. Zhao had the audience in fits of Northern Eye Care Program, in the When he accepted the award, Prasad laughter as he explained how he had Northern Territory. described how he’d left a village in Fiji, carried out some of his initial research in Initially, she invested so much of his homeland, to come to the university. SCIENTIA PROFESSOR less-than-ideal laboratory conditions, and her own money in the program that she He’d been working in resettlement and PROFESSOR DEO-KARANDEO-KARAN PRASADPRASAD DR JIANHUA ZHAO yet nevertheless managed to secure and couldn’t afford accommodation and lived realised that the villagers didn’t just need SCIENCESCIENCE AWARD AWARD INTERNATIONAL AWARD hold the record for the highest solar energy in her car for two years, until the state buildings, but a sustainable future. conversion cell for about 16 years.

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PAGETURNERS CARING IN THE COMMUNITY A new book by Associate Professors Xiaoyuan Shang and Karen Fisher (PhD ’07) reveals significant improvements in the care of Chinese orphans, reports Melinda Ham.

ways to care for Chinese orphans. “At the orphanage I visited, in a peak year, more than 80 per cent of children died,” she recalls. Later in 2000 in Shanghai, Xiaoyuan Shang met a disabled girl in foster care who changed her whole outlook. “Without the foster care project, she would not have been living with a family, and possibly not even been alive. It convinced me that foster care was a good way to care for orphans. I also decided that child welfare reform would be the main focus of my research,” she says. A year later, Xiaoyuan Shang led a research project funded by UNICEF and the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs, which charted the welfare of orphans from eight urban orphanages fostered with abies wail relentlessly while in depth, making recommendations families in rural areas. a row of toddlers sit, their and writing reports for international “After three months, their health legs splayed, tied over aid agencies. It is work that has had already greatly improved,” she bamboo potties. In another dramatically affected Chinese says. “The families had more room roomB an emaciated girl with infected government welfare policy. than the orphanages, better food eyes is left to die. These are some of “In our book, we argue that and, most importantly, they picked the harrowing scenes in the 1995 film a mixed welfare system, in which up the children and held them. The Dying Rooms – about the neglect state provision supplements Psychologically, the children were and death of children in Chinese family and community care, is much happier.” state-run orphanages. an effective direction to improve Then in 2005, funded by the This documentary, made by support for orphaned children,” Australian Research Council, Save British filmmakers Brian Woods Xiaoyuan Shang explains. the Children UK and the Chinese and Kate Blewett, stunned millions “Government needs to take government, Xiaoyuan Shang’s team of viewers in 30 countries around responsibility to guarantee from UNSW conducted the first Left to right: the world at the time. And this orphans’ rights and support Associate national census on orphans. “The included Xiaoyuan Shang, then family networks to provide Professor result was condemning,” she says. a research officer at the Institute care, so that children can grow Karen Fisher The landmark census found most of of Development Studies at the up in their own communities.” and Associate the half a million orphans lived in Professor University of Sussex. “I was deeply Before the onset of communism Xiaoyuan Shang poverty, without any state support. shocked. I had lived in China [for in 1949, China had a long-standing So the second phase of their 37 years] and was studying civil tradition of care in the community research calculated the cost of society and never knew this was for orphans. But from the mid- raising these orphans, and much happening,” she says. 20th century onwards, state to Xiaoyuan Shang’s delight, the Now an Associate Professor institutions progressively took over following year Chinese President at UNSW’s Social Policy Research orphans’ care. After 1979, with the Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao Centre, where she has worked for the introduction of the one-child policy, agreed to a basic living allowance last 15 years, Xiaoyuan Shang has just an escalating number of children for all Chinese orphans. had published Caring for Orphaned were abandoned – especially girls – “The best thing is that the Children in China (Rowman, 2013), creating a systemic crisis. situation for orphans has really a book co-written with her colleague Soon after The Dying Rooms’ improved in China,” Xiaoyuan Associate Professor Karen Fisher. release, Xiaoyuan Shang travelled Shang says. “The Dying Rooms The book charts the academics’ to some orphanages in Lanzhou is now just a historical record of journey as they researched this topic and Nanjing to investigate better what it used to be like.”

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PAGETURNERS MESSAGE

ne of the most enjoyable aspects CARING IN THE COMMUNITY of university life A new book by Associate Professors Xiaoyuan Shang and is the graduation Oceremony when students and Karen Fisher (PhD ’07) reveals significant improvements in their families celebrate the the care of Chinese orphans, reports Melinda Ham. successful culmination of years of hard work. This June, the joy of ways to care for Chinese orphans. graduation included one of “At the orphanage I visited, our graduates (Chao Jiang) Chao Jiang proposing to his girlfriend, Chifang Ling in a peak year, more than proposing marriage to his 80 per cent of children died,” girlfriend on the Library Lawn newest members of UNSW’s emails we received was titled she recalls. (she said yes!). alumni community. We look “How I met your mother” Later in 2000 in Shanghai, We also saw the first outing forward to you sharing the by alumnus Pruni Mahdar. Xiaoyuan Shang met a disabled STERGITSA of our UNSW Alumni Lion milestones of your professional It made us laugh and we are girl in foster care who changed ZAMAGIAS-HILL mascot. He wandered around and personal lives with us over sharing it with you here. her whole outlook. “Without the happily having his photo coming years. We hope you enjoy this foster care project, she would not Director taken with the occasional roar! In the last issue, we issue. have been living with a family, Alumni and Community We will be seeking your help launched our search for Best wishes, Stegs and possibly not even been alive. Engagement shortly to give him a truly UNSW family stories, and the Visit alumni.unsw.edu.au for more It convinced me that foster care was UNSW name. response we have had so far about our Lion mascot and marriage a good way to care for orphans. Congratulations to all the has been terrific. One of the proposal on the Library Lawn. I also decided that child welfare reform would be the main focus of my research,” she says. A year later, Xiaoyuan Shang led a research project funded by How I met your mother UNICEF and the Chinese Ministry of Civil Affairs, which charted the welfare of orphans from eight 1983 1984 1985 1988-89 1989 1997 2000 urban orphanages fostered with Mum (Putiati Tino) Mum stayed at Mum and Dad I went to the House Dad graduated Mum commenced Harry Djuansah abies wail relentlessly while in depth, making recommendations families in rural areas. and Dad (Dedi International graduated at Pooh Corner, (PhD ’89). Then her doctorate in (my future Mahdar Hamzah) House. (MAppSc ’85). I one of UNSW’s day we all went back to Food Engineering. husband) saw me a row of toddlers sit, their and writing reports for international “After three months, their health haven’t met yet. Dad and Mum met was born in July. care centres. Indonesia. She also worked at for the first time legs splayed, tied over aid agencies. It is work that has had already greatly improved,” she Both were awarded for the first time the Union Café at the Electrical bamboo potties. In another dramatically affected Chinese says. “The families had more room a scholarship to at the Applied in the Quadrangle Engineering lecture study a Masters in Science Building. for a very long time. theatre. roomB an emaciated girl with infected government welfare policy. than the orphanages, better food Food Science. I believe I was eyes is left to die. These are some of “In our book, we argue that and, most importantly, they picked conceived at the harrowing scenes in the 1995 film a mixed welfare system, in which up the children and held them. International House. FAST FORWARD Below: Pruni Mahdar and her The Dying Rooms – about the neglect state provision supplements Psychologically, the children were They married in family at her graduation at UNSW and death of children in Chinese family and community care, is much happier.” December 1984. Mum: Passed away from lung state-run orphanages. an effective direction to improve Then in 2005, funded by the The reception cancer in 2012 having been This documentary, made by support for orphaned children,” Australian Research Council, Save was at The a lecturer at IPB, (Bogor Roundhouse. Agricultural University), British filmmakers Brian Woods Xiaoyuan Shang explains. the Children UK and the Chinese Indonesia. and Kate Blewett, stunned millions “Government needs to take government, Xiaoyuan Shang’s team Dad: Principal environmental of viewers in 30 countries around responsibility to guarantee from UNSW conducted the first Left to right: consultant at ERM, having the world at the time. And this orphans’ rights and support Associate national census on orphans. “The worked for a long time at included Xiaoyuan Shang, then family networks to provide Professor result was condemning,” she says. Freeport (Rio Tinto Group). a research officer at the Institute care, so that children can grow Karen Fisher The landmark census found most of 2002 2005 Hubby: After graduating of Development Studies at the up in their own communities.” and Associate the half a million orphans lived in from UNSW, worked for Coats Professor My future husband I transferred from International, then moved to University of Sussex. “I was deeply Before the onset of communism poverty, without any state support. graduated UTS (University Xiaoyuan Shang Sydney after we got married. (MTM ’02). of Technology, Above: Baby Pruni shocked. I had lived in China [for in 1949, China had a long-standing So the second phase of their Currently Finance Manager Sydney) to COFA and her parents 37 years] and was studying civil tradition of care in the community research calculated the cost of at Westpac. (College of Fine on her mother’s society and never knew this was for orphans. But from the mid- raising these orphans, and much Arts) for a Bachelor Me: In my last year of a graduation day happening,” she says. 20th century onwards, state to Xiaoyuan Shang’s delight, the of Design/Bachelor Bachelor of Art Education. Now an Associate Professor institutions progressively took over following year Chinese President Art Education. at UNSW’s Social Policy Research orphans’ care. After 1979, with the Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao Centre, where she has worked for the introduction of the one-child policy, agreed to a basic living allowance last 15 years, Xiaoyuan Shang has just an escalating number of children for all Chinese orphans. had published Caring for Orphaned were abandoned – especially girls – “The best thing is that the 2007 2009 2011 2013 2014 Children in China (Rowman, 2013), creating a systemic crisis. situation for orphans has really Audria I graduated I enrolled back Still at UNSW ... (our daughter) with a at COFA a book co-written with her colleague Soon after The Dying Rooms’ improved in China,” Xiaoyuan went to the House Bachelor of Design for a Bachelor Associate Professor Karen Fisher. release, Xiaoyuan Shang travelled Shang says. “The Dying Rooms at Pooh Corner. from COFA. of Art The book charts the academics’ to some orphanages in Lanzhou is now just a historical record of Education. journey as they researched this topic and Nanjing to investigate better what it used to be like.”

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SEPTEMBER JULY UNSW Vice-Chancellor’s 9 11 Scientia Lecture Golf Day, NSW Golf Club (Science) presented by Price: TBA Professor Iain Stewart – “50 Shades of Grey: communication rocks” – SEPTEMBER The John Niland Scientia Visit UNSW Open Day Building 6.00pm 6 9.00am – 4.00pm Kensington Campus Your chance to see UNSW JULY up close and personal Young Alumni Network Drinks Program: openday. 24 unsw.edu.au Speaker: Kristie Buchanan (BCom '02), CEO RedBalloon CBD Hotel 5.30pm – 7.30pm SEPTEMBER Utzon Lecture Series 3 presented by Professor John Tomaney, Bartlett School of Planning, AUGUST AUGUST London – “Governing London: progress & 13 The Jack Beale Lecture on the 14 UNSW Foundation Studies prospects” 6.30pm Global Environment delivered 25th Anniversary reception, by Professor Ian Chubb, Chief Leighton Hall, The John Niland AUGUST Scientist. The John Niland Scientia Building 5.30pm – Scientia Building, UNSW 8.00pm. Let us know if you are USA Alumni & Friends 28 Kensington Campus 6.00pm a Foundation Studies alumnus Reception, New York City

ASIAN EVENTS 17 September – Hong Kong Alumni & Friends Reception Professor Fred Hilmer is stepping down in December 2014 18 September – Singapore Alumni & Friends Reception after eight years as President and Vice-Chancellor and we 20 September – Regional Graduation Celebration Kuala Lumpur 20 September – Malaysia Alumni & Friends Reception hope you can join us for a farewell drink at one of our Asian 23 September – Shanghai Alumni & Friends Reception events to acknowledge his significant contribution to UNSW. 24 September – Beijing Alumni & Friends Reception

For more information and to register for any of these events, please visit the UNSW Australia Alumni Events Calendar: alumni.unsw.edu.au or contact the Alumni & Community Engagement Office – [email protected] or +61 2 9385 3279. Please note registrations to all events are essential.

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