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Top students earn Chancellor’s medals
A high school special needs teacher and an environmental scientist who’s focused on sustainable fashion are set to share the limelight at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Graduation ceremony on Friday 30 September.
Education graduand Robert Gibbs, 47, of Buderim, and Environmental Science graduand Katie Roberts, 27, of Maroochydore, will both receive Chancellor’s Medals – the highest award available to graduating students.
The medals recognise excellence in academic performance, University governance, community service and student welfare.
Robert and Katie also will jointly deliver the Graduate Response at the end of Friday’s ceremony that will be held in USC’s Sports Stadium from 5-6.30pm.
Katie, who finished her degree with a GPA of 6.647 (out of a possible 7), said she was thrilled about receiving the award.
“It’s lovely to gain this recognition, not only for achieving academically but for putting in that extra bit of work as well,” she said.
Katie combined her background as a former fashion buyer with her study to run regular clothing swaps and a special Sustainability in Style program on campus to help students get better value out of their clothing.
She contributed to a recycling strategy for the University and was involved in a project to boost student retention by providing tutoring support.
Katie is considering doing her Honours next year and is currently working as a USC tutor and contributing to a University research project into forestry trees.
Robert finished his Graduate Diploma in Education with a GPA of 6.3 and now works as a special needs teacher at Noosa District State High School.
The former snackfood salesman said he particularly enjoyed the social side of university life during his three years of an Accounting degree and the past year studying Education.
“It was like coming to a party every day and getting together with friends and chatting,” he said.
Robert was keen to help other mature age students enjoy their time at USC and started a social activities group, called the Late Bloomers, for those aged over 25. This group now has about 70 members and holds regular events.
Robert worked as an Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme tutor while he was studying Accounting and this experience helped him realise he had a knack for teaching.
He still put his financial nous to good use, though, by becoming treasurer of the USC chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society and treasurer of USC4U, which this year helped relaunch the University’s Student Guild.
— Terry Walsh