Foundation Board
The Foundation Board is a dedicated group of volunteers whose common goal is to contribute to the University's growth and development for students, staff, alumni, the community and the region. Together they bring a range of skills and backgrounds from running their own successful business to the corporate, education and community sectors.
Tim V. Fairfax AM - Foundation Chair
Tim Fairfax has been Chair of the Foundation Board since its inception over 10 years ago and is also Deputy Chancellor of the University.
A trustee of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, Tim is a board member and director of multiple companies and community organisations including Chairman of the Salvation Army Brisbane Advisory Board.
"When I met Vice-Chancellor, Paul Thomas, soon after the University was founded, I was impressed with his bold vision and I understood the importance of a strong regional university to the area. When he asked me to become involved with the Foundation, I was honoured to oblige.
"The Foundation's work provides individuals and businesses on the Sunshine Coast the opportunity to stand up and make a crucial impact on their University - their future."
Karen Neuendorf
Karen Neuendorf, of Neuendorf Interiors, is well-known in the Sunshine Coast business community as a respected interior designer and sought-after adviser and lecturer in her field. Karen is passionate about playing an active role in the University's future direction, utilising her diverse networks in the community. Her involvement in numerous community and corporate groups includes five terms as President of the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network, championing many quality programs for women in business.
“Education, be it formally through a university or informally through life experience, is a precious gift that defines who we are. This unique University touches the greater community, be it the individual or business. I see myself as a conduit to give and connect to the region.”
Simon Whittle
Simon Whittle is a Sunshine Coast local with a sales and management background in the print media. Since 1990, he has been active as a volunteer in community organisations particularly in the Buderim area.
“I am proud to have been a member of the Foundation Board since 2000. I see USC as the most important and influential institution on the Sunshine Coast.”
Jocelyn Walker
A long time resident of the Sunshine Coast, Jocelyn Walker has been a Foundation Board member for over 10 years. The former operator of Moby Vic's 24 hour roadhouses, Jocelyn is mostly involved in commercial development these days.
"I readily accepted Paul Thomas' invitation to join the board, believing that this fast growing institution was poised to become one of the finest in our country. I felt that I could contribute to the team and make a difference.
"My enthusiasm toward the development of this magnificent facility has only been heightened as we celebrate the achievements of serving both our students and community over the past decade. I congratulate USC for fulfilling it's mission to create a facility of world class standard in teaching and research and welcome the opportunity to continue my support."
John Shadforth
John Shadforth has lived on the Sunshine Coast for over 30 years and has owned and run several successful businesses. He has a passion to see people improve their lives and become positive contributors to society through education.
"A proud family man with seven grandchildren, I am motivated and excited by the potential that USC offers to all members of the community and the difference I can make as a Board member to ensure the best outcome for the University, it's staff and students."
Tristan Kurz
Tristan Kurz, General Manager at Coastline BMW (major sponsor of the 2008 Art Gallery exhibition program) graduated from USC with an International Business Degree in 2004. The completion of his final exam, in his mind, meant the end of his relationship with the University. In 2005, however, Tristan reacquainted himself and became a member of the Foundation Board.
“Without even realising it, the time you spend as a student at USC makes you extremely proud to have been part of one of Australia’s fastest growing universities. When I was approached to sit on the board, I saw it as a great opportunity to stay connected to my beloved USC and also help in its development”.
Michelle Hamer
Michelle Hamer was raised on the Sunshine Coast and is widely known for her expertise in the fields of training, networking and facilitating positive outcomes for community and business organisations. As well as running two businesses and serving on community boards, she lectures and tutors at USC and is passionate about the exciting role the University plays within the community.
“I am keen to celebrate and enhance the active role that students play on the Sunshine Coast. The University I believe, encourages people to follow their dreams and make a positive difference to their lives and the lives of others”.
Michelle is the Director of Smart Advice – a consultancy that provides business analysis and advice to professionals in the areas of strategy, gaining and retaining customers, systems and procedures and financial management.
David Jeffries
David Jeffries is a Chartered Accountant who has held several senior executive positions including Deputy Chief Executive, Bank of Queensland and Chief Executive, First Australian Building Society, which he successfully merged with Bendigo Bank in 2000. He has also worked for KPMG in Brisbane and Toronto, Canada and Bank of Hawaii in Honolulu. He is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program.
David has been involved in many companies and associations and is currently a Director of Fig Tree Developments Ltd. He is a former Queensland State Chairman and National Councilor of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
"I have long felt that education is the key to a successful society. It is with great pride then that I have been given an opportunity to contribute to the development of our local University through my role on both the USC Council and the Foundation Board and to build on the exceptional work done to date by others".
Cameron Hall
Cameron Hall was born and completed school on the Sunshine Coast before heading off to complete an honours degree in Civil Engineering at The University of Queensland in 1996. Work and travel then saw Cameron live in London, Canada, Sydney and Melbourne. In 2005, Cameron returned to the Sunshine Coast to work for Hall Contracting Pty Ltd, the family construction business set up in Mooloolaba by his grandfather Les Hall in 1946.
“I am a strong believer in tertiary education, and was amazed to see this wonderful institution thriving on the Sunshine Coast. Going to university on the Sunshine Coast wasn’t an option when I left school, so to see it become such a well respected university in such a short time is fantastic.
The short and long term economic benefits that the University provides the region should not be understated. Not only does it provide jobs at the University and in local supporting industries now, it also provides an avenue to attract the bright young people to the region who will help ensure the Coast’s long term economic viability. As a board member of the Foundation, I am excited about contributing to the University’s future success.”
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