Excitement is building ahead of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s annual Outstanding Alumni Awards on Thursday 24 October.

USC Alumni Relations Manager Anita Edmonds said all USC graduates, staff, benefactors and supporters were welcome to attend this free, social and inspiring event at USC’s Innovation Centre Auditorium.

Ms Edmonds said many high-quality nominations were received this year from employers, parents, friends and colleagues of graduates who are making significant impacts in fields ranging from community work to business and scientific research.

This year’s 15 nominees are listed on the USC website.

They are vying for three awards: the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year; Regional Achievement (graduates making an impact in the broader Sunshine Coast region or another regional community); and Rising Star (graduates aged 35 years or younger).

The awards event will be held from 5.30-7.30pm with refreshments and a presentation by USC Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Joanne Scott about the University’s recent developments. Register for the event online.

Last year’s award winners were clothing retailer Mango’s country director Sean Hurley (Business 2005); STEPS Charity Manager Angela Harris (EMBA 2018, Business (International Business) 2013); and The Circular Experiment founder Ashleigh Morris (Environmental Health Science 2015).