Media Releases
JCU celebrates its outstanding alumni

James Cook University has honoured 12 of its most talented alumni at the annual Outstanding Alumni Awards in Townsville.
The annual Outstanding Alumni Awards recognise alumni of James Cook University who have made an outstanding contribution in their field of endeavour at a local, state, national or international level, and celebrate their successes and achievements.
The awards have been announced this morning at a breakfast function in Townsville.
Recipients include local, national, and international alumni, with two winners from each of the University’s six colleges: a College winner and an early career winner (alumni who have graduated within the past seven years).
In addition to the College winners, the Chancellor’s Outstanding Alumnus Award is presented to one of the College winners whose particular achievements resonate with the Chancellor.
This year’s recipient is Professor Jamaluddin Jompa, the winner from the College of Science and Engineering. Professor Jompa is one of Indonesia’s top scientists and graduated from JCU in 2003 with a PhD in Science.
He is currently the chair of the Centre of Excellence of Marine Resilience and the Dean of the Post Graduate School at Hasanuddin University.
Chancellor Bill Tweddell chose Professor Jompa for his work on coral reef processes that has pushed the boundaries of innovation, knowledge and application for marine and coastal resources.
“I am proud that my University is an international leader in the integrated management of marine and coastal systems,” Mr Tweddell said
“I am keen to see us continue to provide world-leading expertise in applied tropical marine science. I believe Professor Jompa’s scientific work epitomises JCU’s commitment to ensuring our research is focused on creating a brighter future for the Tropics.”
Previous recipients include ambassadors, chancellors, volunteers, community leaders, chief executives and industry leaders.
Full list of winners (College winner is listed first, early career winner second):
College of Science and Engineering
Professor Jamaluddin Jompa
Dr Joleah B. Lamb
Business, Law and Governance
Judge Gregory Lynham
Tracy Carr
Arts, Society and Education
Dr Susan McIntyre-Tamwoy
Dana Esperanza
Medicine and Dentistry
Dr Daniel Manahan
Dr Brendon Lange Neuen
Healthcare Sciences
Joanna Murray
Judy Higgins-Olsen
Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences
Dr Megan Counahan
Dr Bronwyn Orr