About Charles Harper
Charles Harper was a respected barrister who followed in the entrepreneurial footsteps of his grandfather and great-grandfather. A committee member of the UWA Convocation, he believed that a university striving for excellence should offer an MBA and championed the introduction of the UWA MBA program.
While Harper’s UWA legacy is significant, he also left a lasting impact on the West Australian legal, business, music and sporting communities. He served as Treasurer of the WA Bar Association and was president of the WA Institute of Business Administration for ten years, writing its first constitution.
Harper was an active member of the University Choral Society and held presidencies across the WA Hockey Association, the WA Sports Federation, the Australian Hockey Association and the Suburban Hockey Club. He received the Australian Hockey Association’s Award of Merit shortly before passing away at just 42.
Past Winners of the Charles Harper Prize
- 2025: Paige Maloney
- 2024: Marco De Bona
- 2023: Nanette & Nick Trask
- 2022: Kate Verkuylen
- 2021: Jin Ou
- 2020: Phuong Nguyen
- 2019: Josh Conner
- 2018: David Warby & Bindi Shah
- 2017: Aine Healy-Carter
- 2016: Tarik Voirin
- 2015: Conrad Pires, Tomy Hwang & Peter Dyett
- 2014: Hossein Sedaghat
- 2013: Teck Lim & Jenny Gamble
- 2012: Graham Harmsworth
- 2011: Arthur Hiemstra
- 2010: Tracey Deveugle-Frink
- 2007: Sean Webb
- 2006: Patrick Breuer
- 2005: Jo Pownall
- 2006: Bourby Webster
- 2005: Zoe Kristall
- 2004: Norm Roberts
- 2003: Katherina Bte Juma`at
- 2002: Jonathan Trautman
- 2001: Tracy Tayl
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The Charles Harper Prize was established in 2000 to recognise MBA students who make an outstanding contribution to the UWA MBA program. The Prize serves as a lasting tribute to Charles Harper, a respected barrister who championed the introduction of the UWA MBA program. Learn more about Charles Harper below.
Eligible Nominees
Candidates must:
- be a recent graduate of the UWA MBA program and have not failed a unit in the course
- have demonstrated a significant contribution to the UWA MBA program
Assessment Criteria
- Enhancement of the stature and public image of the UWA MBA degree
- Improvement of the academic relevance and excellence of the MBA program
- Promotion of positive and productive staff/student relationships and a strong sense of community
- Leadership and respect within the student body
Candidate Identification and Selection
Each year, the GMA invites the UWA MBA community to identify eligible candidates for consideration against the published assessment criteria.
To submit a nomination, complete the short nomination form, outlining how the candidate meets the criteria. Candidates cannot self-nominate.
Nominations close midnight, Sunday, 27 September 2026.
The recipient will be selected by:
- Director, UWA MBA Program
- Faculty Heads, UWA MBA Program
- President, Graduate Management Association of UWA
Award Presentation
The Charles Harper Prize is presented each year by a representative of the Harper family at the GMA Annual Black Tie. The winner receives a trophy and $500 cash.