Curtin University Vice-President of Corporate Relations, Ms Valerie Raubenheimer, has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Universities Australia, recognising her outstanding commitment to Australia’s university sector.
Ms Raubenheimer started her career as a journalist in South Africa before moving to Australia in the 1980s to pursue a career in public relations.
After 11 years at a consultancy in Perth, Ms Raubenheimer joined Curtin University in 1998 where she has worked in various roles within Corporate Relations before becoming the Vice-President of the portfolio, a role she has held for eight years.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the recognition was a fantastic achievement and showcased Ms Raubenheimer’s dedicated commitment to the university sector.
“We are delighted that Ms Raubenheimer has been recognised for her significant contribution to the higher education community and the impact she has made at Curtin University over the last two decades,” Professor Terry said.
“The judges noted that Ms Raubenheimer is a beloved and respected figure in the university community and we are lucky to work with someone who holds such strong values and a passion for education.”
Ms Raubenheimer said she was honoured to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, crediting her colleagues at Curtin University and her family for their support.
“It was a complete surprise to me as I didn’t know I had been nominated for this award so I feel very honoured and truly humbled,” Ms Raubenheimer said.
“Education has opened so many doors for me so it is a privilege to be able to work in the higher education sector and play a role in the development of tomorrow’s leaders through their education at Curtin University.
“As you know, it is very difficult to do anything by yourself and I feel so fortunate to work with such a wonderful team at Curtin University and to have the support of my amazing family, including my husband Llew.”
Ms Raubenheimer has received the award during Curtin’s ‘50 Years of Innovation’ celebrations –recognising the combined history of the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT), which opened in 1967, and Curtin University, which accepted its first students in 1987.
Ms Raubenheimer was recognised at the Universities Australia Marketing Communications and Development Awards 2017 on 7 September 2017.
