The University of Malta has selected the first two alumni who will be the recipients of a prestigious honour to be given in acknowledgement of distinction in their field, as well as leadership on a community, national or international level. The nominators for the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award (OAAA) are graduates, staff, students and alumni of the University of Malta.
The Adjudicating Committee reached the decision, ratified by the University’s Council, to give the Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award to two nominees - general surgeon, Dr Maria Meilak who graduated 1973, and satellite communications leader, Dr Hector Fenech, a graduate of 1978.
The Award will be offered on an annual basis. This year’s Awards will be presented at a special event attended by the Rector of the University, Professor Juanito Camilleri, members of the academic and administrative staff, past and present KSU Council Members and other alumni.
The presentation will be followed by the launch of an exhibition entitled: Building Futures: the making of Msida Campus. The exhibition is curated by Dr Raphael Vella and is part of the Discover University initiative. The exhibition, at University House on campus, will be open to the public from 7 to 18 March from 0800 – 2000hrs. The exhibition celebrates the Msida Campus, from the laying of the Foundation Stone to its future projects, through a collection of photographs recently acquired by the University of Malta.
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Dr Hector Fenech
Dr Hector Fenech graduated from the University of Malta in 1978 with a degree in electrical engineering. He works in the field of satellite communications, and is now Director of Future Satellite Systems at Eutelsat, a leading satellite operator.
This French-based company’s satellites provide global coverage for television broadcasting and Internet connectivity. Dr Fenech is a member of the board of a number of space industry institutes and associations.
Dr Fenech has lived abroad for many years, but he has remained very committed to his country of origin.
Dr Maria Meilak
Following her graduation in 1973 as a Medical Doctor and subsequent house-officer period, Dr Maria Meilak travelled regularly to offer voluntary medical services in Africa and Central America.
In 1985 Dr Meilak co-founded the Voluntary Lay Missionaries Group, under Pontifical Missions in Malta. She is also President of the Society for the Transport of Sick People to Lourdes.
Dr Meilak has always been present at community level at Tarxien, where she lives.