Business graduate Belinda Harris was awarded a Chancellor’s Medal in recognition of her impressive grade point average and devotion to disability advocacy and volunteer work. She received thunderous applause and a standing ovation for her moving speech. Belinda was among the many highlights of the USC graduation ceremonies held in September and October.
Prominent Mooloolaba businesswoman, philanthropist and long-time USC Foundation Board member Jocelyn Walker was awarded the Chancellor’s Stole in recognition of extraordinary voluntary and philanthropic contributions to the University. She is with Chancellor Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d).
Award-winning author and Professor Gary Crew became an Emeritus Professor for his contributions to the USC School of Creative Industries. Professor Crew introduced creative writing at USC in 1999 and expanded the programs to postgraduate, until his retirement this year. He is pictured with (L to R) Dr Ross Watkins, Dr Paul Williams and Dr Ginna Brock.
USC MBA graduate Natasha Read received an Honorary Senior Fellow. Natasha has been a long-standing supporter and member of various USC committees including University Council. Her term concluded last December after nine years.
USC Fraser Coast Nursing science graduates Tahnee Togo, Brittney Day and Tracey Taylor.
Surfing the academia wave
Tom Wegener graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) this year after finishing his thesis Globalisation and the Sustainability of Small Manufacturers: Challenges Facing the Surfboard Artisans of Australia.
Dr Wegener’s PhD thesis began when it appeared mass surfboard production, particularly cheap imports from China, would ruin boutique shaping in Australia.
“Business from 2009 to 2012 was terrible. My research boiled down to what would be needed, as the impetus, for the surfboard industry to reinvent itself,” Dr Wegener said.
“To my astonishment, 2014 saw many new makers come onto the scene who were making new designs. I simply couldn’t believe it.
“What I found, as part of my research, was that among surfers, there is a culture of wanting the newest innovation. It seems that China can’t keep up. Because we are niche, bespoke board makers, we have a culture that supports us.”
This year Tom completed his thesis, supervised by USC’s Professor of Sustainability Tim Smith.
“I loved bringing academia into the surfing world. It’s being followed and it’s making a difference to an industry that helps define who we are on the Sunshine Coast,” Dr Wegener said.
Dr Wegener is now working on his own innovations using paulownia wood, which he pioneered globally as a surfboard material, and a non-toxic tree sap varnish from Japan called ‘urushi’. He says this was a direct result of his USC research, leading to contact with suppliers.
“The world is in a place right now where people are really looking at these green industries that are dying and saying, ‘wait a minute, we don’t want to lose this industry,” he said. “You look at surfing culture and it’s not only about money value, but also cultural value. It helps people identify who they are in their social group and the value of a clean ocean and a safe environment – the intangibles that make our life really great here.”
