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High achievers gain University Medals
Two nurses from Buddina and Canada, a teacher from Palmwoods, a budding psychologist from Mudjimba and a writer from North Arm have been recognised for achieving top marks while studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
They received the five University Medals presented at USC’s recent Graduation ceremonies on 20 April. The medals are for those who achieved a final grade point average of 6.8 or higher out of 7.
Buddina’s Caroline Gibb, 42, said the hard work and commitment to her Bachelor of Nursing Science proved worthwhile when she gained a job as a registered nurse at Nambour Hospital soon after finishing her degree last year.
“I enrolled three years full-time because nursing was something I’d always wanted to do,” she said. “I was able to study near my family and now I’m working on the Coast too.”
Kathryn Hill, 45, is a Canadian and Australian citizen who was living at Minyama when she decided to study Nursing Science. “I enrolled at USC because it was close to home and my children,” she said.
“The program was excellent. It offered a good blend of practical and theoretical experiences and I found the teaching staff to be top-notch. The campus was small enough to be personal but still offered everything I needed.”
Kathryn plans to work in a hospital near her home in British Columbia, Canada.
Angelene Cook, 45, of Palmwoods, graduated with a combined degree in Education and Arts which has already helped her gain a position as a Year 7 teacher at Chancellor State College.
“It’s exactly why I went to USC – to become a teacher in the local area,” said the mother of two teenagers. “My confidence was shaky when I first enrolled because I hadn’t studied in years, but my experience at USC was fantastic.
“Getting personalised and immediate feedback from staff was so important. By the end my self-esteem was bolstered and I discovered I loved research.”
Mudjimba’s Linn Stainsby, 29, is well on the way to fulfilling her dream of working as a clinical psychologist.
Formerly of Sweden, Linn graduated with her Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology). “I’m currently enrolled in Psychology Honours at USC and I hope to continue to Masters,” she said.
“It’s been a pleasure to be part of the first cohort of Psychology students and I really enjoyed USC. The lecturers and tutors were helpful and I appreciated the peaceful campus environment. The kangaroos never failed to fascinate me!”
North Arm’s William Douglas, 49, is continuing to both study and work at USC after finishing his Bachelor of Arts (Creative Writing).
Now doing Honours while working on his goal of finishing a novel, the former performing artist also earned a 2011 Chancellor’s Medal for his contributions to both the education and social integration of USC students, with roles including mentor, adviser and tutor.
— Julie Gatehouse