Gryphon Gala 2022 Alumni Award Winners

Mannix has a proud history of nurturing talented and passionate people who so often ascend into excellence as people and professionals. We are also proud of the incredible staff who give so much more than their time and skills to support our students.

In recognition of this, we launched and awarded our very own Staff Recognition and Alumni Awards at the Gryphon Gala.

These awards celebrate members of our community who have significant accomplishments in their personal and professional lives or have provided service to the state or nation at different levels of accomplishment and life stage. Nominations were received from all corners of the Mannix community and we are proud to share the stories of our winners with you.

Staff Recognition Award

Connie Neilson, the winner of the Staff Recognition Award is an unsung hero of Mannix College who achieved significant professional achievements within their 38 year career at the College. She played an integral role in contributing to dining hall and meals on wheel operations, serving thousands upon thousands of meals – all of them, with a smile.

Her genuine care for the students was shown through knowing each and everyone’s names, knowing what questions to ask about their days and doing her best to make everyone feel at home. The impact of this personal touch has had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of many thousands of Collegians.

How did it feel to reconnect with the Mannix community at the Gryphon Gala?
It was a pleasure to be there on the night to reconnect with past students from over the years.

How does it feel to have won an Alumni/Staff award?
It was an Honour to be awarded the first Alumni/ Staff Award.I would like to thank everybody that voted for me from the bottom of my heart.

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to Mannix College students and young alumni?
Enjoy your time at Mannix, be kind to yourself and have respect for your fellow students.

What is your favourite thing about Mannix?
The connection I was able to have with the students.

Rising Star Award

Mandhree Ekanayake, the winner of the Rising Star Award was an active member of the Mannix community. She was selected for the two most prestigious leadership programs at Monash University, Monash Minds and the Vice Chancellor’s Ancora Imparo Leadership Program.

Having been a high-performing Girl Guide, at just 20 years of age, she was elected as Assistant State Commissioner of Girl Guides Victoria, making her the youngest person ever to fulfil the role. This role gave her the opportunity to empower girls and young women and discover their potential as leaders, delivering the keynote at the 2020 Global Citizen International Women’s Day event in Melbourne.

How does it feel to have won an Alumni/Staff award?

I feel incredibly honoured to be recognised in such a capacity. I was simply doing what I love – empowering and providing a platform for young women to identify and achieve their potential! 

It is great that Mannix has set up these awards to recognise the incredible contribution that past members in the Mannix community are making. It was inspiring to see and hear the journey of the other awardees and to see the love and memories many people have created throughout their college years. 

I would like to pay special thanks to my Nominator, I know who you are and you are set out to do incredible things! I would also like to thank my family and friends who have always supported me and encouraged me to do the best that I can, I am who I am because of all of you. 

What was your favourite memory of your time at Mannix College?

It is hard to pick! I have so many incredible memories but the common denominator in all of them are the friends that I made. My greatest friends are from Mannix; we grew into adulthood whilst in college, we have been through the stressors of study, the curveballs life throws at us and the joys of stepping out into the world as adults. The friends that I have made have been the best thing I ever gained from my time in college.

Can you tell us anything about yOutstanding Alumni Awardour time at Mannix College that you think has made a positive impact on your life and/or career since?

I had a wonderful time at Mannix. Coming from rural Victoria, moving into the outer suburbs of Melbourne was a huge culture shock, but I was grateful to belong to a community that supported me and provided me with a sense of home amongst many like-minded people. Mannix was also a source of endless opportunity. The connections that I made have played a huge role in my life and career thus far. 

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to Mannix College students and young alumni?

I say this all the time but I truly think it has been one of the most valuable things for me – Say “yes” to opportunity, don’t limit yourself to doing only the things you know, be okay with putting yourself outside of your comfort zone, experience new things and meet new people, it is the best way to grow and learn in this world. Every person and experience has something to teach you about life or yourself and this can help you navigate this ever changing world. And one last piece of advice, hold onto your people, the friends you make in college truly span a lifetime. A person is a person because of the people around them so surround yourself with people that enrich you and support each other through the twists and turns life throws your way.

Outstanding Alumni Award

Jason Clymo, the winner of the Outstanding Alumni Award demonstrated personal qualities of grit, leadership and an unwavering commitment to creating a positive social change as an advocate and ally.

Despite the tragic accident at a nightspot leaving him paralysed from the waist down, Jason didn’t let this terrible accident stop him, nor define him. Rather, turned his energy and talents to breaking down barriers in fashion, youth leadership and disability advocacy.

How did it feel to reconnect with the Mannix community at the Gryphon Gala?

It was amazing to reconnect with a heap of people I hadn’t spoken to for years. I loved hearing about where everyone was at, where they were working, who was married or engaged, who had travelled where – all of it. It was a heap of fun, and reminded me why I loved my time at Mannix so much – the people. I look forward to staying more connected from now on!

How does it feel to have won an Alumni/Staff award?

Honestly, I was very surprised. On paper, I wouldn’t say I’m the ‘model student’ or the best advocate for going to uni. I dropped out after my second year, and I started a company in a completely different field to what I was studying. It was very humbling to hear what the other award-winners have achieved, and to be held in that same level of respect is pretty special. I’m proud of myself and what I have achieved but never really imagined I’d be given an award for it, so I’m also very grateful – especially to whoever nominated me and the selection committee.

Can you tell us anything about your time at Mannix College that you think has made a positive impact on your life and/or career since?

It might sound corny, but my time at Mannix was very formative for me. In the 2 years I spent at Mannix, I turned 18, came out as Queer to my friends and family, realised my life-long “dream” of being a doctor wasn’t actually what I wanted to do with my life, and made a heap of friends – some of which I would say will be my closest friends for the rest of my life. 

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to Mannix College students and young alumni?

I would say to use this time to really connect with people, have a heap of fun, and discover what you’re actually interested in or passionate about. Use your time to really work out if the course you’ve chosen and the career pathway you’re on is something that you really want to do. There’s so many options, and the idea that we’ll choose the “right course” or “right career” the first time around, is kind of ridiculous. So be patient with yourself, and follow the pathway that you enjoy the most. You’re going to spend a fair chunk of your life working, so why not do everything you can to make sure you enjoy it.

Outstanding Alumni Award

Tony Johnson, the winner of the Outstanding Alumni Award was an MCSS President during his time at College and learnt the art of leadership. His personal and professional qualities represent all that is great about the opportunities Mannix College provides to its students.

Recognising the importance of friendship and connection, Tony was integral in the establishment of the Mannix Old Collegians Association and took on the role of its first President.  Above and beyond their professional skill, Tony has been instrumental in the positive development of a number of Mannix Alumni, providing advice, mentorship and career-enabling opportunities.

Most recently, he also joined the Mannix Foundation Council and supported the creation of a community of donors who are helping the College to affirm its future. Therefore, Tony is a clear example of our College motto – Omnia Omnibus, All things to all People.

How did it feel to reconnect with the Mannix community at the Gryphon Gala?

Great to see so many familiar faces back in the familiar environment of Mannix.  While many of my closest friends are Mannix alumni and I see them regularly, it was fantastic to have a chance to see those alumni I don’t see so often – it is a special feeling to seamlessly slip back into a conversation as if we last chatted yesterday rather than over 30 years ago. 

Also, a sense of appreciation for the opportunity and the stable foundation Mannix College provided me to smoothly and safely transition from school to university and regional Victoria to Melbourne.

What was your favourite memory of your time at Mannix College?

Definitely the fun times with great people – both the formal or organised events like the Mannix Ball, O-week, Folk Night, Rocky Horror or Thursday night in the JCR but also the unplanned and informal events that just happened!

What’s the best piece of advice you can give to Mannix College students and young alumni?

Embrace all the opportunities that Mannix and university life provides – don’t miss the chance to be bold and “have a go” at trying something new.  Make the most of meeting as many people as you can, especially those different to you – you learn so much without even knowing it.

What is your favourite thing about Mannix?

The opportunity to meet and build friendships with amazing and distinctive people and learn from their different skills, backgrounds and experiences. The learnings can be big or small – tips on settling into life in Melbourne, perspectives on local and global affairs, study or exam hints or advice for preparing life after Mannix and career opportunities – all hugely and positively impactful!