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High achieving graduate receives top honour
31 March, 2005
University of the Sunshine Coast graduate, Suzanne Burford, has been awarded the Chancellor's Medal for 2005.
Ms Burford, who lives in Buderim, was awarded the Chancellor's Medal at this year's Graduation Ceremony.
The Chancellor's Medal is made in recognition of excellence in: academic performance; university governance; community service; and student welfare.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (International Studies), Ms Burford achieved an outstanding academic record during her time at USC, with sixteen High Distinctions, including one for her internship in Politics and Public Policy spent working for Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kevin Rudd.
Following the completion of her internship, she was also asked to provide a briefing to the Minister before he visited the Tsunami hit regions of Indonesia.
Ms Burford's other achievements during her time at USC were remarkable, including;
- Volunteering at the FESTURI multicultural celebration and the Pacific Islands Political Studies Association Conferences
- One of only two students representing USC at the Spirit of Democracy commemorations in Ballarat in 2004
- Proactively sought out an opportunity to undertake in-country studies in Indonesian language
- Acting as co-convenor for the USC branch of Amnesty International
- Working with the local Indonesian community including holding a Mngobrol [get together] for 120 people at her home
- Organised and contributed financially to a program to provide text books to support English teaching in Indonesia
- Worked as a volunteer for half a day per week at the local primary school\
- Was a mentor for new USC students through the University Mentoring Program
- Was a note-taker for students with disabilities
- And was actively involved in student affairs, attending regular Friday Forum meetings
Ms Burford was recognised for her generous support to other students and demonstrating a very high level of leadership, ethics and scholarship.
The mother of four, who also works part time for her family's business, is continuing at USC this year, studying a combined Honours degree in International Relations and Indonesian language.