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Olympian donates cherished items to USC
Former Olympic kayaker Gayle Mayes has donated her 1992 Barcelona Olympic tracksuit and 2000 Sydney Olympic Relay torch to the University of the Sunshine Coast.
The USC tourism lecturer made the generous donations during the University’s celebration of International Women’s Day today (Friday 7 March) in appreciation of the University’s help in her academic career.
Ms Mayes gave an inspirational speech about her overlapping and sometimes conflicting athletic and academic journeys, before presenting her Olympic memorabilia to Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill.
The framed tracksuit and mounted torch are likely to go on display in the University’s five-storey Health and Sport Centre which is under construction.
Ms Mayes, who last year received a $10,000 Federal Government grant for her outstanding contribution to student learning, was one of three high-achieving USC staff members who spoke at the International Women’s Day event.
USC’s Director of Information Services Sandra Jeffries delivered an amusing and dynamic speech which clearly showed why she has achieved such success in her career.
She encouraged women to pursue goals that were important to them personally and to seize opportunities as they arose.
Professor of Psychology Mary Katsikitis gave a motivating speech about her life’s journey, from being the child of Greek immigrants, to the joys and challenges she has faced as an academic and as a manager.
She too encouraged women to make the most of life’s opportunities.
The celebration also included a free sausage sizzle and entertainment by USC student singer/guitarist Layla Klinkert.
— Claire Bruynius