Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University teachers Oleg Stepanov OAM and Natasha Vlassenko OAM head a number of Griffith staff, former staff and alumni recognised in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Mr Stepanov and Mrs Vlasssenko, considered world class pianists and teachers, were awarded an Order of the Medal of Australia for their service to the performing arts, particularly the piano.
The pair has been teaching at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University for three decades and are joint Artistic Directors and Founders of the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition & Festival which was established in 1999.
“We feel very grateful to this great country of Australia, our home for 30 years, which gave us an opportunity to fulfil our dreams. We are humbled receiving this high Honour and would like to thank many wonderful people who supported us in this journey. We hope that together through Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition and Festival we were able to help many Australian pianists to also fulfil their dreams,” Ms Vlassenko said.
The full list of Griffith community members who are recipients of honours include;
Oleg Stepanov OAMwas awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the performing arts, particularly to piano. Since 1992, Mr Stepanov has been a Senior Lecturer at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.
Natasha Vlassenko OAMwas awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the performing arts, particularly to piano. Ms Vlassenko is currently Head of Keyboard at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.
Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young PSM ACwas awarded a Companion in the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to public health administration, to medicine and medical research, to the tertiary sector and as the 27th Governor appointed in Queensland. Her Excellency is a Doctor of the University (DUniv) and was a member of the Health Group Advisory Board and an Adjunct Professor at Griffith’s Centre for Environment and Population Health.
Paul Donovan AMwas appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the Queensland tourism sector. Since 2015, Mr Donovan has held an appointment as an Adjunct Professor at the Griffith Institute for Tourism.
Dr Michael Foley AMwas appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to community health and to dental education. Dr Foley AM was a Senior Lecturer in the School of Dentistry and Oral Health (2007–2017).
Dr Rachel McFadyen AMwas appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to biosecurity and entomology. Dr McFadyen held a teaching position at the School of Australian Environmental Studies.
Professor Patrick Murray AMwas appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to aviation safety and air transport industry. Professor Murray was the inaugural Director of Griffith’s Aerospace Strategic Study Centre (2008–2015).
Therese Anne Lee OAMwas awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to nursing. Ms Lee is an alumnus, completing a Masters degree inEmergency Nursing.
Mans Carlsson OAMwas awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for services to the sustainable investment sector. Mr Carlsson is a Griffith Business School Masters of Business Administrationgraduate.
Christine Douglas OAMwas awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to Opera. Ms Douglas is a Master of Music Studies graduate.
Dr Karolyn Vaughan OAMwas awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to nursing. Dr Vaughan received her PhD from Griffith in advancing practice and credentialling.
Dr Kamarah Pooley AFSMreceived an Australian Fire Service Medal recognising distinguished service by a member of the Australian Fire Services. Dr Pooley is a Griffith School of Criminology and Criminal Justice alumnus.