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Nutrition graduand to receive top USC medal
A Nutrition student who “had a ball” at the University of the Sunshine Coast, volunteering for campus groups while achieving a grade point average of 6.4 out of 7, will receive a 2011 Chancellor’s Medal.
Fiona Finnegan, 20, will receive one of two Chancellor’s Medals along with her Bachelor of Nutrition at the USC Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday 20 April.
Fiona said she was delighted to finish her degree, which had set her on a path for a career in community-based health.
She has moved to Brisbane this year to study a Graduate Diploma in Public Health at Griffith University.
“I had a ball at USC, getting involved in lots of things outside the academic sphere,” she said. “It’s very nice to be recognised with the Chancellor’s Medal.”
The medals are the University’s highest student honour, presented to a graduate for excellence in academic performance, University governance, community service and student welfare.
Originally an OP1 student from Gin Gin State High School, Fiona started her USC study in 2008 after receiving a $12,000 Tim Fairfax Regional Scholarship.
She became one of two student members of the USC Council in the third year of her degree.
The 18-member council is the governing body of the University, comprising academic and general staff and community members, all in honorary roles.
Fiona said she wanted to be on council to “be a voice for students on university matters”. She also was a member of the USC Deputy Vice-Chancellor’s student liaison committee.
She enjoyed seeing the results of her input, such as an upgrade of pathways to student accommodation at Sippy Downs.
As a student mentor, Fiona proved invaluable to more than 50 first-year USC students. She also hosted Faculty of Science, Health and Education (FOSHE) mentoring sessions.
As fundraising and social director of the USC chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society, Fiona helped plan campus and community events and assist organisations such as a young mothers’ program.
“I participated in the Sunshine Coast Youth Summit for the three years and last year was chosen as one of 40 young people from across the state to attend the Queensland Youth Forum,” she said.
“I volunteered at events run by the Sunshine Coast Youth Partnership, such as the DrinkSafe band competitions, volunteered over the summer at Maroochydore Meals on Wheels and recently made my 25th blood donation.”
Fiona will officially don her academic robes to receive the medal from Chancellor John Dobson at the FOSHE Graduation Ceremony from 5pm – one of two USC ceremonies to be held at its Sports Stadium that day.
– Julie Gatehouse