Sheldon Alumni is seeking nominations from Sheldon College graduates who have significantly created positive change in the broader community, through demonstrated excellence and continuous improvement in their chosen field of endeavour. Nominees provide inspiration to our current students and College community by continuing to embody the values of Sheldon College.
NOMINATION SELECTION CRITERIA
- Demonstrated excellence and continuous improvement in their chosen field of endeavour.
- Service to the greater community either locally, nationally or internationally.
- Demonstrated capacity for creative thinking and innovation.
- Demonstration of strong Sheldon College values in the broader community.
NOMINATION ELIGIBILITY
Nominees must be a graduate of Sheldon College.
Previously nominated Alumni who were unsuccessful may re-nominate. A new nomination must be completed.
NOMINATION PROCESS
Any member of the community, including Sheldon College staff, students, and Alumni can submit a nomination. Self-nominations are also permitted. To submit a nomination, please complete the Online Nomination which is available below.
Nominations Close Sunday 1 November 2026
AWARD PRESENTATION
Sheldon Alumni together with the College will select the winner of this award. The Young Alumnus of the Year winner will be announced and presented at the Senior College Celebration of Excellence on Monday 30 November 2026.
The winner will receive a Young Alumnus of the Year trophy, in addition to a $500 cash prize.
Meet our 2025 Young Alumnus of the Year
Dr Bree Hurst (Devin)
Since her graduation in 2005, Dr Bree Hurst (Devin) has built a career that’s taken her from Vice Captain of Sheldon College to a globally recognised leader in sustainability research. Bree helped found the Sheldon College Alumni Committee, establishing the College's very first alumni database and later serving as Alumni Chair. She went on to build an exceptional career at Queensland University of Technology, where she now serves as Deputy Director of the Centre for Decent Work & Industry, plays a leading role in the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, and coordinates the Strategic Advertising and Public Relations major within QUT's Business School.
Her research into corporate social responsibility, organisational communication, and sustainability aligns closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, tackling global challenges like food loss and waste. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom: she has led a landmark national study into food waste in Australia, worked with the United Nations Environment Programme to guide global textile waste policy, developed practical toolkits for policymakers on circular economy solutions, and published widely in journals including the Journal of Business Ethics. She also sits on the Technical Standards Committee shaping Australia's national food loss and waste framework, and continues to present her work on the international stage.
From being QUT's youngest-ever lecturer to becoming a globally recognised researcher shaping policy and practice, Bree Hurst exemplifies the leadership, innovation, and service we celebrate in our alumni community. Congratulations, Bree!