Pilot Officer Alan Reitsma has been awarded the prestigious University Medal by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) during the recent Conferral Ceremony at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).
The honour, one of UNSW's highest academic distinctions, recognises graduates who demonstrate sustained academic excellence and achieve an outstanding Honours performance.
Pilot Officer Reitsma completed a four-year Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering with Honours, consistently earning high distinction and distinction grades across all eight semesters, which he said was a proud achievement for both him and his family.
"My wife has sacrificed a lot in the last four years. We moved to Canberra, where she didn't have any friends or family while I studied. It wasn't easy for her," Pilot Officer Reitsma said.
"She knew about the University Medal and what it represents, so me winning it meant the most to her. It shows the hard work we have both put in over the last four years."
Pilot Officer Reitsma, who began his Defence career in 2006, admitted he doubted his ability to succeed academically, but wanted to create a new career path for himself.
Despite this initial doubt, his thesis received the highest mark in the 2025 Engineering Chief of Defence Force cohort and demonstrated research suitable for publication in Scopus-indexed Q1 journals. He also led a major research project redesigning the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft, with findings currently under review for publication.
'He has set an example for others in Defence, showing that with hard work, determination and a strong support system, you can achieve anything.'
"I didn't think I was smart enough to be an engineer. I thought I would fail in my first year. But then to get the University Medal, I was clearly so wrong on how I thought about myself," Pilot Officer Reitsma said.
"I encourage everyone in Defence to give academics a go. I don't think I'm the smartest person at this university by any means, but I've certainly put in hard work and it's that work that really got me success.
"There's a lot of enlisted people in Defence that certainly know how to work hard. I'm sure they would also be really successful if they wanted to go through tertiary education."
Beyond academics, Pilot Officer Reitsma contributed to the UNSW Canberra community as a mentor in the Peer-Assisted Study Session program where he inspired peers through leadership and research excellence.
Commandant ADFA Brigadier Troy Francis said Pilot Officer Reitsma's achievement exemplifies the adaptability and commitment to service that defines the next generation of ADF leaders.
"His achievement is nothing short of outstanding. Earning the University Medal is a testament to both his and his wife's resilience, relentless commitment and intellectual curiosity," Brigadier Francis said.
"He has set an example for others in Defence, showing that with hard work, determination and a strong support system, you can achieve anything."
Now posted to the Airlift Systems Program Office at RAAF Base Richmond, Pilot Officer Reitsma will apply his engineering expertise to support C-130 Hercules sustainment - continuing his passion for aviation and service to the nation.
