Monash University has been named as a dual winner at the prestigious 2024 Green Gown Awards, winning the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion category for its Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) program, and Monash student Anthony Brady named the 2024 Student Champion. In its debut entry at the awards, Monash was also named a finalist in four other categories, including Sustainability Leadership and Next Generation Learning and Skills.
Deputy Vice-Chanellor (Student Experience) and Senior Vice-President, Professor Sarah McDonald said these honours highlight Monash's leadership in sustainability and social responsibility within the higher education sector.
"These awards affirm Monash University's commitment to sustainability and transformative impact as a leader in Australia and the Indo-Pacific region. They reflect our dedication to providing students with rich educational experiences that foster a global, climate-conscious and innovative mindset, preparing them to tackle the world's most pressing challenges," Professor McDonald said.
Monash's Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) program was recognised as a trailblazing initiative that provides all eligible first-year students with a fully funded, immersive study abroad experience focused on sustainability.
"Spanning eight countries and 10 locations, Monash's GIG program integrates intercultural competency, interdisciplinarity, sustainability, and global citizenship into Monash's core educational framework. The program ensures that students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds have equitable access to international experiences, fostering a more inclusive and globally aware student body," Professor McDonald said.
Mr Anthony Brady, an undergraduate student in Environmental Engineering and Science was awarded the Student Champion for outstanding leadership in sustainability and social impact. His initiatives promoting climate action and social justice have raised environmental awareness among his peers, earning him recognition through various leadership roles and awards.
"Monash is especially proud to have its staff, students and programs recognised as championing sustainability, underscoring the university's commitment to nurturing sustainability leaders across all levels and advancing its Impact 2030 strategic plan," said Professor McDonald.
The recognition comes at a pivotal time, as Monash joins the global community at COP29 to drive sustainable solutions to the climate crisis.
"Monash is shaping future thought leaders and advocates for climate change solutions, helping to address global warming through a range of transdisciplinary projects and mission-oriented goals in Australia and the Indo-Pacific," she said.
Congratulations to the Monash winners and finalists, whose efforts highlight the incredible strides being made in sustainability across the sector:
Winners
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG).
- Student Champion – Anthony Brady, Bachelor of Environmental Engineering and Science.
Finalists
- Staff Champion – Dr Tatiana Pinedo Rivera, Senior Process Engineer
- Next Generation Learning & Skills – Monash Innovation Guarantee (MIG)
- Student Engagement – Mannix College's "Green cuisine: waste not, want not" initiative
- Sustainability Leadership – Shane French, Senior Sustainability Coordinator
