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Class of 2000 to reunite at University
It’s amazing what a difference a degree and a decade can make.
On Saturday 30 October, graduates of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s class of 2000 will return to Sippy Downs for their 10-year reunion, full of stories of career and personal success.
In 2000 there were 283 graduates from the fledgling campus, compared to more than 1,600 requiring two ceremonies this year.
USC Alumni Relations Officer Anita Edmonds said many had travelled the country and worked internationally in careers across the arts, business and science sectors.
Many others have stayed closer to home, contributing to the improvement of the Sunshine Coast and the University itself.
Sally Hansen (nee Rodgers) said the breadth of subjects in her Bachelor of Business had boosted her tourism career.
After spending most of the decade in Victoria working for the Stanford Group and Nillumbik Council, the married mother of two is back on the Coast as the coordinator for Mooloolaba Business & Tourism.
“I can’t wait to catch up with friends I made at University, as well as some of the great tutors and lecturers,” she said.
Bruce Williams graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 2000 and Honours in 2003 and never left.
He has worked in a variety of roles at USC. He has taught Communication and Cultural Studies, provided program and course advice to Arts and Social Science students, and now coordinates pathways for International students.
Bruce is also the elected staff member on the University Council.
Bruce, who’s now a grandfather, said he had enjoyed watching USC grow into a dynamic institution making such a positive impact on people and the region.
“USC degrees teach more than content,” he said. “You learn how to research, how to communicate, how to think critically – the skills needed for life.”
June Redman, who gained a double degree in Business and Science as well as Honours in 2002, also retained her links to the University.
She is finalising a PhD on age discrimination in employment and the workplace and is based on campus as the national executive officer of the Australian Health Promotion Association.
Anita Edmonds said a campus tour would be held from 5pm before the reunion reception started at 6.30pm to show the returning graduates the dramatic changes.
“Some of them remember when the library was only a few shelves of borrowed books in a small room,” she said. “Now it’s a state of the art building with an enormous collection.”
She said the University put great value on its graduates, forging lifelong relationships and family traditions.
To register for the reunion on 30 October at the Chancellery building, call 5459 4564 or email alumni@usc.edu.au
— Julie Gatehouse