Marjorie receives Chancellor's medal
The bright rainbow-coloured tie that Marjorie Blowers wore to the University of the Sunshine Coast’s 2008 Graduation Ceremony in May provided a small insight into the joy she brings to others.
The Bachelor of Human Services graduate received the University’s highest award—the Chancellor’s Medal—for achieving a consistently high standard in her academic work and for her tireless contributions to the welfare of others at USC and in the community.Marjorie, 37, who also received a Dean’s Commendation, said she was driven by a commitment to social justice and service to the community.
“I’m very social justice and equity minded,” she said. “Building awareness of minority groups on campus as well as off campus is important to me in creating an understanding of diversity.”
Marjorie’s community involvement has included gardening with the elderly, the terminally ill and those with disabilities, using skills from her previous 12-year career as a horticulturalist.
It also has featured working with community groups that advocate for the homeless and against domestic violence.At USC, she has been a student mentor, a Student Liaison Committee member and the Student Guild’s welfare director.In the latter role, Marjorie organised awareness events and health strategies for students and helped provide social support networks for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students.
Marjorie also voluntarily provided services for students with disabilities, and believes her greatest achievement at USC has been the establishment of a respite room for those who suffer chronic pain.
Financial chief completes PhD through USC
Among the many graduates attending this year’s Graduation Ceremony at the University of the Sunshine Coast was a man who presides over the financial operations of a company that has an annual turnover of $30 billion.
Dr PM Kam is the chief financial officer of Jardines in Hong Kong, a company that has 50,000 employees and is one of the largest employers in Hong Kong.
Dr Kam also sits on advisory boards for a number of universities and international boards in Hong Kong.
He graduated from USC in April as a Doctor of Philosophy after studying offshore under the supervision of Dr Chris Lambert. His thesis was on corporate governance and earnings management in Hong Kong, and his findings will have implications for policymakers in Hong Kong and for the emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
Dr Kam said he chose to study in Australia because Australian qualifications were recognised world-wide for their excellence. He said USC offered him a personalised learning experience in which he could study at his own pace.
He said he particularly appreciated being able to attend designated courses, test data and discuss matters with his supervisor outside of business hours.
Dr Kam said he and his wife, Lana, enjoyed attending the USC Graduation Ceremony, meeting the Dean of Business Professor Evan Douglas, touring the University campus and having their photograph taken in front of kangaroos.
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