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USC turns TEN! - Official launch
22 February, 2006
University staff gathered on campus to form a giant number ten to celebrate the University's tenth anniversary.
On 26 February 1996, USC welcomed the first 524 students to the campus, and since then the University's growth and development has exceeded all expectations.
The community of the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas have embraced their local University and taken the opportunity to access quality higher education right on their doorstep.
In a year of major growth for the University, and with two new buildings currently under construction, 2006 is set to be the University's biggest year yet.
Not only has USC welcomed the largest intake of students ever to the start of semester - they are also celebrating the milestone of their tenth anniversary.
The theme of the year is -
The Power of Ten: Celebrating our First and Future Decades
Professor Paul Thomas, the founding and current Vice-Chancellor, said the year was a very significant milestone for the University.
"This year is a wonderful opportunity for us to look back at our first decade, to recognise the tremendous growth we have experienced not only in physical campus growth, but also what our presence has meant to the community of the Sunshine Coast," Professor Thomas said.
"Many events are planned for the year including the current retrospective exhibition, Catalyst: University of the Sunshine Coast and the Power of Ten looking back over our the past ten years to the very beginning of USC."
Graeme Gilles from Mudjimba's Blue Tongue Helicopters has taken an aerial photograph of the University campus every year since 1995.
His photographs show the growth of the campus and they are on display in the University's Art Gallery until 25 March as part of the Catalyst exhibition along with USC history including; architectural models, early plans and drawings and images of some of the people who have been instrumental in the University's growth.
The establishment of USC was the result of extensive discussions and lobbying by the community and it now offers the people of the region more opportunities than could have ever been imagined in 1996.
"The University has become a focal point of education, life-long learning and innovation over the years and has remained true to its vision of becoming a major catalyst for innovative and sustainable economic, cultural and educational advancement of the region," Professor Thomas said.
"This is evident in the increased number of applications and enrolments we received for the start of this first semester."
A range of events are planned for 2006, many of which will be open to the community, who are welcome to take advantage of the celebrations and discover what their local University has to offer.