Content
University to honour entertaining larrikin
It might seem odd that the University of the Sunshine Coast is about to honour a former student who regularly poked fun at the Vice-Chancellor and advised thousands of students on how to annoy lecturers.
But anyone who has seen Tomas Passeggi’s entertaining and tongue-in-cheek presentations at major USC events, especially Orientation ceremonies, will understand the powerful effect he has had on making new students feel at home.
Mr Passeggi, 30, of Buderim will become an Honorary Senior Fellow in front of a crowd of 3,000 people at the University’s Graduation ceremony on Friday 9 April.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Thomas AM said the award was to recognise Mr Passeggi’s significant contribution to the social life of the University.
“His wonderful sense of humour, coupled with his mature and professional attitude, has meant that he has been invited both as a student, then a graduate, to officiate as Master of Ceremonies for many University events,” he said.
“Many USC staff have found Tomas a joy to work with.”
Mr Passeggi was a student at USC between 2004 and 2007, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science (Community Work) in 2008.
Early in his studies he became a USC Ambassador, which involved speaking at the University’s major recruitment events, leading campus tours, and addressing high school students throughout the region.
His penchant for the theatric was soon noticed and he was invited to MC at official Orientation welcome ceremonies.
It was at these ceremonies that Mr Passeggi deliberately pushed the envelope, surprising everyone with his casual banter with the Vice-Chancellor and his humorous slideshows that outlined how to best annoy lecturers and how to recognise the symptoms of being a uni student.
“I was surprised they never called Security during my presentations,” he said. “I made fun of Paul to present the human face of him rather than just as the person in charge of the University.
“My aim was to break down the formalities and barriers between people. It was all about bringing academics down to our level as students.”
Mr Passeggi said he was surprised to be receiving the honorary award from USC.
“It is very humbling,” he said. “I put in an effort to be part of the campus, but I did that for myself. To get this award is a huge extra.”
Mr Passeggi was born in Uruguay. He is the son of Haracio and Stella Passeggi, who gained strong community support in 2003 to stay in Australia when they faced deportation following changes to their business visa requirements.
— Terry Walsh