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Chancellor’s Medal for politics student
When asked her ambitions, there’s no hesitation from outstanding 22-year-old University of the Sunshine Coast graduand Elyse Wohling.
“I have to have my doctorate by 25,” said Elyse, who will receive the Chancellor’s Medal along with her double degree in Arts/Business at the 2010 USC Graduation Ceremony on Friday 9 April.
The annual medal is presented to a graduate for excellence in academic performance, University governance, community service and student welfare.
In her fifth year at USC, the former Beerwah State High student is doing Honours in politics while working full-time for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Elyse said the award was recognition of her support for the University and the community in general.
“USC is an amazing institution and the lecturers always encourage you to go further, to find your passion,” she said.
“I wanted to help foster this campus ‘family’ as well as give back to the wider community. I can see how powerful the Sunshine Coast will be.”
USC Chancellor John Dobson, OAM, said Elyse had made significant contributions as a student representative on the University Council, a student ambassador and a member of committees such as Student Appeals.
She was instrumental in establishing USC’s chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society which now has 270 members and gold status.
Through Golden Key, she had raised money for Nambour General Hospital and STEMM, a Coast charity that helps teenage mothers continue education.
Elyse, who moved to Fitzgibbon after gaining a promotion at DFAT’s Passport Office in Brisbane, urged other graduates to take advantage of the many opportunities offered at USC.
“I met the state director at one of the University’s Career Connection events and he has become my mentor,” she said.
Elyse also was honoured at last week’s 2010 Faculty of Business Awards, where she received the Buderim Ginger Prize for the Most Outstanding Graduating Student in Bachelor of Business (International Business).
– Julie Gatehouse