2023 UQ Alumnus of the Year and St John’s Alumnus of the Year 2023: Professor George Mellick
It was a proud moment for the St John’s College community that Professor George Mellick was honoured by The University of Queensland as UQ Alumnus of the Year for his unparalleled dedication to medical research and his deep commitment to advocacy for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease (PD). With a distinguished career spanning over twenty-five years, George’s contributions have had a profound impact on both the scientific community and the lives of more than 100,000 Australians affected by Parkinson’s. George’s journey began at UQ, where he developed a passion for alleviating the suffering of those with neurodegenerative diseases. His commitment to this cause was solidified during his time as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UQ in 1999, where he gained first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals with Parkinson’s. This experience fuelled his determination to dedicate his career to researching and advocating for PD sufferers. Beyond his research, George is a passionate advocate for the Parkinson’s community. Since 1999, he has been a member of Parkinson’s Queensland, serving as President since 2015. As President and Chair of Parkinson’s Australia, George continues to champion the best possible quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, advocating for national policies that support the community. A dedicated supporter of UQ and St John’s College, George has actively engaged in student life, mentoring, and financial support. His contributions to graduate education and student supervision have been recognised with several awards, including the Best Advisor Award at the inaugural Postgraduate Student Conference of the UQ Medicine Southern Clinical Division in 2005. His ongoing involvement with St John’s College includes serving on the College Council and College Foundation, mentoring students, and establishing the Mellick Family Scholarship.
2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award: Dr Glen Richards
Dr Glen Richards is a renowned business leader, entrepreneur, and veterinarian whose career has significantly impacted both the veterinary industry and the entrepreneurial landscape was honoured with the 2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award. At the age of 27, Dr Richards purchased a small veterinary practice in Townsville. Within a decade, he expanded this modest operation into a network of five veterinary clinics and a large pet store in Townsville, along with two veterinary hospitals in China. His vision for the future of veterinary medicine included high quality care, investment in top-notch equipment and facilities, and support for veterinarian mental health. This vision led to the creation of Greencross, an expansive pet care empire comprising 300 pet stores and 200 veterinary clinics under the brands Petbarn, Cityfarmers, Animates, Greencross Vets, AEC, and Animal Referral Hospitals. As the founding Managing Director, Dr Richards established Greencross as Australia’s largest privately-owned pet care company. Dr Richards’ influence extends beyond his business ventures. He gained widespread recognition as a resident panellist and investor on Channel 10’s Shark Tank, where he identified and nurtured successful startups, offering mentorship and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs. Despite his professional achievements, Dr Richards remains deeply connected to UQ and St John’s College. For the past 15 years, he has been a regular guest lecturer at UQ’s Veterinary School, sharing his passion for animal care and entrepreneurship with students. His experience at St John’s College, though brief, left a lasting impact and fuels his ongoing dedication to the college community. Over the past two decades, he has collaborated with the College Warden, Council, and Foundation, mentoring numerous students and contributing to career sessions and professional development programs.
St John’s College 2023 Alumni of the Year: Emeritus Professor Ainslie Glenister Ross Sheil AO
Emeritus Professor Ainslie Glenister Ross Sheil AO, an esteemed alumnus of St John’s College and UQ Medical School, was named the 2023 St John’s College Alumni of the Year. Professor Sheil has devoted his life to the medical profession, particularly in the field of organ transplantation. With a career spanning over four decades, he has made significant contributions to advancing safer, more effective transplantation procedures, earning him a distinguished place in medical history. Ross began his illustrious journey at the University of Queensland, where he was not only an exceptional student but also an accomplished athlete. During his time at St John’s College in the early 1950s, he excelled in multiple sports, earning a College Blue and UQ Full Blue. His leadership skills were evident when he served as the Student Club President at St John’s College in 1955. The following year, Ross’s athletic prowess led him to represent Australia as a Wallaby, showcasing his dedication and versatility both academically and athletically. As a Rhodes Scholar, Ross furthered his studies at Oxford University and conducted groundbreaking research in organ transplantation, which paved the way for his future successes. His return to Australia marked the beginning of a transformative era in liver transplantation. At just 34, Ross led the team that performed Australia’s first liver transplant and later achieved the first successful liver transplant with a survival beyond one year. His tenure as Chairman and Director of the Australian National Liver Transplantation Unit from 1986 to 2001 saw remarkable advancements in surgical techniques and patient outcomes. As a professor at the University of Sydney, Ross’s academic contributions, including over 200 research papers, have had a lasting impact on the field. Professor Sheil’s dedication to medical education and mentorship, coupled with his support for UQ and St John’s College, exemplifies the spirit of excellence and service. His numerous accolades, including being appointed Officer of the Order of Australia, reflect his profound impact on the medical community.