The awards were announced as part of Charles Sturt Foundation Day on Wednesday 19 July, recognising graduates who are making a difference in the world, either professionally or as a volunteer.

Alumni Dr Tristan Robinson and Ms Evie Jay both received Highly Commended awards in the Young Alumni category for graduates under the age of 35.

Tristan graduated from what is now the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2011, and is now working as a senior veterinarian and director of the Wagga Wagga Veterinary Hospital.

“My day job as a vet means I am at the coal face of helping people and animals in need, which gives me great purpose,” Tristan said.

“But outside of day-to-day work I love volunteer work, it’s the backbone of any community.”

Tristan plays a crucial role in teaching final-year students as a director at Wagga Wagga Veterinary Hospital.

“I love teaching people and trying to make their lives a little easier,” he said.

During his time at Charles Sturt, Tristan participated in an equine ‘externship’ in Dubai, which provided him with a global perspective on veterinary challenges and instilled in him a deep appreciation for diversity and adaptability in animal care.

He is also a valued donor to the Charles Sturt Foundation Trust, contributing to two scholarships, the Charles Sturt Bushpigs Scholarship and the Charles Sturt Foundation Veterinary Fund.

Despite these achievements, Tristan said he was surprised to receive the award.

“It was an unexpected award, and humbling to be recognised for community involvement,” he said.

“This also shines a light on the importance of recognising why we do what we do, and that is to help others, learn and grow, share experiences and make the world a better place.

“What a fantastic initiative by Charles Sturt University to recognise the positive impact of our alumni in the world we live in.

“Congratulations to all the other deserved award winners.”

Fellow Highly Commended Young Alumni Ms Evie Jay works as the Southern NSW Territory Manager for Hygain Feeds; a highly competitive position which she secured after proving herself in the equine industry.

After graduating from the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences with a Bachelor of Equine Science, Evie started work as a full-time stud hand at Twin Hills Thoroughbred stud. Her primary role was working with weanlings and yearlings and preparing horses for sale.

In 2021 Evie started her role as program facilitator for the Wagga Riding for the Disabled Centre (RDA). While working full-time there, Evie gained the necessary requirements to become a coach, before becoming the coach coordinator in 2023.

Evie worked with many different types of horses, which led to her tailoring equine nutrition, and ultimately stocking and marketing nutritional feeds and supplements.

Evie said to be recognised for her work was an honour.

“Receiving this Alumni Award makes me extremely proud and grateful for my time studying at Charles Sturt University and to have graduated with a Bachelor of Equine Science,” she said.

“The knowledge and connections formed with my lecturers, friends and fellow students within the former School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences have truly led to my new role of Territory Manager for Southern New South Wales at the Hygain Group.

“I am eager to continue to apply the knowledge and skills I developed during my studies at Charles Sturt University with the goal of making a positive impact in the equine industry.”

Head of the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Professor Hayley Randle, said Evie continues to be a role model for new students.

“In her equine industry roles to date Evie has been an exemplary ambassador for the University, modelling the Equine Science course focus on improving current and future industry practice,” Professor Randle said.

“She has consistently demonstrated how small, scientifically-informed, evidence-based changes in practice can result in meaningful, sustained improvements.”

The awards were developed to align with the University ethos – ‘Yindyamarra Winhanganha’ – a Wiradjuri phrase meaning ‘the wisdom of respectfully knowing how to live well in a world worth living in’.

Read more about Charles Sturt's amazing alumni here.

ENDS