2008 Toowoomba Scholarships Awards Reception

78 University of Southern Queensland (USQ) students will benefit from $250,000 in scholarship funds that will be awarded tonight (Monday 25 February 2008) at the inaugural 2008 Scholarships Awards Reception.

More than 200 people, including students, donors and members of the USQ Council are expected to attend the important event, where scholarships will be presented to students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership and participation in the wider community.

Scholarships will also be presented to students whose ability to attend university and achieve their full academic potential is adversely affected by financial hardship.

OP 1 student from Christian Outreach College Alastair Bell, is one of the many local students who is looking forward to receiving a scholarship tonight.

Organiser of the scholarship presentation, Anna Scheuringer, said Alastair will receive the Don and Barbara Stevens Scholarship, which is offered to an undergraduate student commencing full-time, on-campus study in Toowoomba.

'Don Stevens was the Chancellor at USQ for 10 years (1996 -2006), and he and his wife, Barbara, worked tirelessly to forward the aims and goals of the University,' Ms Scheuringer said.

'In 2006, the USQ Council voted to create this scholarship in honour of Don and Barbara's dedicated service to the University.

'This scholarship has the value of $5,000 per year for the duration of the recipient's academic program.'

Alastair said he was attracted to USQ because of its academic reputation and the support provided under the University's Elite Athlete program, which will allow him to maintain his swimming commitments.

A member of the National Youth Team for Swimming Australia, Alastair will compete in the Olympic Trials in March this year.

'Going to USQ meant I could stay here and swim, and it's a very good University.'

          WHAT: 2008 Scholarship Awards Reception
          WHEN: Monday 25 February 2008, 6.30 for a 7.00pm start
          WHERE: Alison Dickson Lecture Theatre, USQ Toowoomba

USQ would like to thank the following people and organisations for their contributions and generous support of the University and our students: Don and Barbara Stevens, Canon Total Technology Centre, The Cory Family, The Rorke Family, Heritage Building Society, The McClune Family, The Moor Family, The Ludgate Family, McConachie Stedman, Clifford Gouldson Lawyers, Walkers Lawyers, Wonderley & Hall, USQ Faculty of Arts, USQ Faculty of Business, USQ Faculty of Education, USQ Faculty of Engineering and Surveying, USQ Scholarships Committee.

Media Contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092 or +61 412 097 326