More than $115,000 in awards, bursaries and scholarships have been formally presented to USC Fraser Coast students and graduates at a special ceremony.

The scholarships and awards encourage academic excellence and provide financial support to help students reach their full potential. They have been funded by USC, Fraser Coast Regional Council, and Fraser Coast businesses, organisations and individuals.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of about 30 recipients, including some graduates whose awards ceremony was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

USC Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Joanne Scott congratulated the various groups and individuals who have donated bursaries, awards and scholarships.

“Providing a bursary or scholarship can make all the difference for some students who then go on to give back to our community in so many ways,” Professor Scott said.

“As well as gaining important financial assistance, the students who receive these prizes are encouraged by knowing that their community is supporting them to succeed in their studies.”

Bachelor of Human Services student Vika Akaveka was among the students to be recognised at the ceremony and was presented with a Fraser Coast Regional Council Bursary, which aims to encourage students to be the best in their field.

Vika said being selected to receive the scholarship, valued at $2,500, had given her a major confidence boost.

“It has motivated me to stay focused in my final semester and I look forward to being able to give back to the community once I begin my career as an employment support consultant,” she said.

Animal Ecology student Timothy Byford, who hopes to work in ecotourism when he graduates, has been awarded the $2,000 Kingfisher Bay Resort Bursary

“Ultimately, I would love to use the knowledge that I gain from this degree to educate the public about the amazing world around us, therefore helping to instil the same love for nature and conservation that I have in them,” Tim said.

“Receiving this bursary has relieved some of my family’s financial pressures,  given me the freedom to work less and focus more time on my studies, and has helped to cover the cost of a field trip to study desert ecology.”

Donations to scholarships are fully tax deductible and 100 percent of donations go directly to assist students.