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University to honour education advocate
A long-time Sunshine Coast resident who has spent more than a decade helping young people into tertiary education will be awarded with an Honorary Senior Fellowship from the University of the Sunshine Coast.
Jocelyn Walker is best known as the owner of Moby Vic’s Road Houses at Glass House Mountains and various other commercial developments, for her contributions to several charities on the Sunshine Coast and for establishing the Vic Walker Memorial Scholarship in honour of her late husband.
This scholarship is presented annually to a Year 12 graduate from Immanuel Lutheran College and covers up to $6,000 of first-year higher education fees at USC. It was designed to link together these two institutions.
Ms Walker said contributing to the community through youth and education was her late husband’s wish.
“I am honoured to receive this award,” she said. “To be able to share it with my family makes it very special for us knowing that this is the way Vic would like it to be.
“If I can help young people further their studies and lessen the financial burden for them, it is most rewarding for me personally as it becomes the ‘joy of giving’.
“The scholarship recipients almost become members of our family with each one remaining in touch with me, right back to the inaugural award from 13 years ago.”
Ms Walker, who has served on USC’s Foundation Board for 12 years, will receive her honorary award at the University’s Graduation Ceremony on Friday 30 September.
USC Vice Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said Ms Walker’s reputation as a passionate philanthropist had set a great example of giving back to the community.
“As a significant university donor, Jocelyn has made the first substantial gift to University fundraising campaigns, including the Art Gallery, the Health and Sport Centre, and the new Aquatic Centre,” he said.
“Jocelyn was a pioneer in setting up one of the first student scholarships for new students coming into the University, opening the door of opportunity for many of our students.”
Ms Walker said she had never wavered in her decision to support the University, knowing its’ potential.
“I saw that the University of the Sunshine Coast was a pretty fast-growing institution and, at the time, I believed it would become one of the finest in Australia,” she said. “And I believe that has happened.”
— Michelle Widdicombe