USQ Springfield will host a High Tea at 3pm on Thursday (8 March) to celebrate International Women’s Day.
The annual global event has been observed since the early 1900s and is designed to inspire and celebrate the achievements of women.
Thousands of diverse events are planned throughout the world, including political rallies, business conferences, government activities, local women’s craft markets and networking events.
Associate Director, Professor Marie Kavanagh said this year’s event was themed “Everything is Possible”.
'Staff and invited guests will hear from USQ’s Chancellor Bobbie Brazil and a representative from the Ipswich Women’s Centre Against Domestic Violence,' Professor Kavanagh said.
'Proceeds raised from raffles on the day will go towards supporting the Centre’s excellent work.'
One inspirational USQ staff member unable to attend this year’s event is Faculty of Education Lecturer, Dr Kathie Young, who will be working from her hospital bed as she continues her fight against breast cancer and acute myeloid leukaemia.
Dr Young has been inspiring students and co-workers since her diagnosis in January 2009, with her dogged determination to continue working as an academic and still enjoying her roles of wife, mother and grandmother while fighting the battle of her life.
'I wanted to continue working through my treatment as it was important to just get on with it and not indulge the tears,' Dr Young said.
'Being able to work from home and hospital on occasion and knowing I still had a job to return to at USQ as well as so much support from my husband, family, employer and friends have been what got me through when it was very difficult physically.
'I missed the interaction with colleagues and students terribly last year when I was too ill to enjoy company and felt very isolated stuck in a hospital room after chemo and a bone marrow transplant.'
With a long career based on literacy in cross cultural contexts, Dr Young has worked with Indigenous and international learners in many remote areas and overseas including the Northern Territory, Papua New Guinea, the United Arab Emirates, Solomon Islands and Hong Kong.
'I love working with diversity and enjoy the stimulation of understanding issues students from different cultures may face and then working out how best to support them. Education has enabled my husband and I to travel the world, meet outstanding people and make long lasting friendships.'
Dr Young hopes to be out of hospital and back to work again in coming weeks.
Contact Details:
Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0438 309 096
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