26 March 2009

Now in their seventh year, The Faculty of Engineering Dean’s Awards recognise students’ outstanding academic achievement. While all undergraduates in our degree programs are eligible for this annual award, only those ranked in the top 2 per cent receive the honour.

The Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Graham Davies presented the 2009 awards to the 105 winners at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) on 11 March. Professor Davies said the Faculty is delighted with the outstanding academic achievements of the recipients.

‘I am confident they will provide leadership in their careers and communities,’ he said.

One student, Arman Soetanto who is undertaking a double degree in Chemical Engineering and Commerce, accepted his fourth award in as many years.

‘I am very excited to receive a Dean’s Award,’ said Arman. ‘I am proud of my achievements and happy because I enjoy what I’m doing very much.’

Sixteen recipients received their third awards, while Ian Eow and Joshua Friedman won for the Flexible First Year.

Ian says the Flexible First Year gave him the chance to try different electives and to think about what he liked. Having attended high school at Sunway University College in Malaysia, Ian says it took some time but he has adapted to the different culture, people, language and environment.

‘Winning the award is good for motivation and my self-esteem,’ he says. ‘Hopefully, I will do as well if not better this year.’

Photovoltaic and Solar Energy Engineering student Brett Hallam, who holds a Rural Scholarship, took out his third award. He says that when he moved to UNSW from country Victoria it was difficult at first.

‘UNSW has given me such great opportunities in the past five years, and I’m sure this award will further expand my possibilities,’ he says.

We would like to acknowledge Parsons Brinckerhoff, the official sponsor of the Presentation, and thank them for their generous contribution and support of our elite students. On the evening, Parsons Brinckerhoff was represented by their General Manager NSW/ACT Glenn Thornton and Electrical Engineering alumnus Andrew Gouge who addressed the recipients, proud parents and Faculty members.

Professor Graham Davies.