“We’re identifying the future leaders of Australia and the globe. These are the people who have the potential to change the world,” Jillian Segal AM., Chairman of the General Sir John Monash Foundation
Graduate student of Adelaide University (Engineering Faculty) and resident of St Mark’s College Alexander Makarowsky has been awarded this year’s John Monash scholarship, Australia’s most prestigious postgraduate overseas study program. His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales, recently presented recipients with the life changing scholarships at a gala ceremony at the Sydney Opera House.
Alexander holds a Bachelor of Telecommunications Engineering (Honours) from the University of Adelaide, where he studied as a Charles Hawker Memorial Scholar whilst residing at St Mark’s College for four years.
Alexander gained many undergraduate prizes and awards, most recently the prestigious international IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society Grant, the Eugene F. Knott Memorial Pre-Doctoral Research grant. At St Mark’s College he was awarded the EA Radcliffe Prize, the G. Angas Parsons Scholarship, the Don Laidlaw Prize and Academic Colours.
Alexander provided tutorial support in maths and physics for first and second year engineering students and provided vital and effective support to a number of students as the Senior Academic Tutor this year and acted as an important role model for other young students at St Mark’s.
Alexander was elected onto the College Club Committee for two consecutive years and in 2017 he was elected to the important position of International Student Liaison and Equity Officer. This dual role involved the specific responsibility for the welfare and support of our international residents and the key contact for male students’ well-being. In this role, Alexander demonstrated exceptional communication and interpersonal skills and he effectively and positively influenced the lives of other students, earning the respect of both peers and staff.
An enthusiastic sportsman, Alexander has captained the College soccer team, played intercollegiate hockey and competed in duathlons. A member of the inter-Collegiate debating team Alexander has also been active in community service and in the Charitable Foundation which focuses on the spirit of volunteerism through assisting families and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
With his John Monash Scholarship, he will undertake an MPhil in Energy Technologies at the University of Cambridge and plans to return to the Australian energy sector.
Volunteering in Timor-Leste instilled Alexander with a strong desire to support the sustainable development of Australia’s neighbours and to lead the world in addressing shared challenges, such as climate change. Alexander aims to help create the next generation of reliable, inexpensive and low-emissions energy systems and to further the use of scientific modelling in public policy.
“This scholarship puts the recipients on a pathway to elite academic achievement that rivals anything offered anywhere in the world,” said Annemarie Rolls, Foundation CEO.
The John Monash Scholars come from a diverse range of disciplines, possess a distinct capacity for leadership and are aiming to make an impact in vital ways for the benefit of Australian society.
Only 18 people were selected, out of the 304 who applied, by an eminent group of Australians including former supreme court judges, industry leaders, academics and scientists from around the country.
“John Monash Scholars are outstanding in their chosen fields and already demonstrate their value by contributing to Australia’s future as scientists, academics, business people, entrepreneurs, lawyers and in vital areas of domestic and global policy,” Jillian Segal AM.
The General Sir John Monash Foundation has awarded 183 Scholarships since its inception in 2001. Many have gone on to global leadership roles in their selected fields. This year’s cohort will study at a variety of prestigious international universities including Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, New York, the London School of Economics, Johns Hopkins and many more.
“Our scholars are great ambassadors for Australia, inspiring in their varied capabilities and already leaders in their fields. They give us confidence in a bright future.” Annemarie Rolls
General Sir John Monash was a civil engineer and an Australian military commander of the First World War. He is remembered as one of the best Allied generals of the Great War and perhaps Australia’s most famous military commander. He was also a leader outside of his military career through his many contributions to civilian life; such as being a founding member of the first Rotary Club of Australia, advocate for the Melbourne Shrine of Remembrance, principal organiser of annual observance of ANZAC day, first manager of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne.
