David Andersen will graduate valedictorian at the Arts and Humanities graduation ceremony at The University of Queensland on Friday.
David Andersen will graduate valedictorian at the Arts and Humanities graduation ceremony at The University of Queensland on Friday.
18 July 2013

Tomorrow, Petrie-born David Andersen will graduate valedictorian at the Arts and Humanities graduation ceremony at The University of Queensland.

David received a first-class grade, the highest for the program, for his thesis The Extraordinary Effeminate: The Characterization of Marcus Antonius in Cicero’s Second Philippic.

“I studied Marc Antony, the famous lover of Cleopatra, and the way he was portrayed politically by one of his great enemies. It was fantastic,” David said.

“This is something I’ve really wanted to do and my mum was really supportive. I’m the first in my family to attend university.

“My mum was in tears at my undergraduate graduation – so for this one I think she’ll be apoplectic.

“In Honours you have periods of self-doubt and hit crisis mode but then you get through and it confirms how much you can achieve.

“Being named valedictorian makes the celebration extra sweet.

UQ’s School of History, Philosophy, Religion and Classics Dr Janette McWilliam said David was a hard working and talented student.

“I have seen him grow tremendously. He’s really outgoing and was a great leader in class.”

Unsurprisingly, David was nominated valedictorian unanimously by the classics staff.

“During my studies, confidence was a big issue for me,” David said.

“Coming to UQ and studying hard to achieve what I want, has really shown me what I am capable of.”

During his time at UQ, David visited Greece and Italy on study tours, which he describes as absolutely fantastic opportunities that he will never forget.

He received various grants toward his overseas travels, including a UQ Advantage grant for $1500 and another $2000 school grant.

“I’m a self-funded student so without these scholarships, I never would have been able to go,” David said.

David’s father passed away in 2005, but he still counts his dad as one of his greatest role models.

David said his father helped him find his passion for history and instilled in him the importance of a curious mind.

“He would take me to the library as a kid and I would always head straight to the children’s non-fiction section to look through the pictures of pyramids and nature,” David said.

And as for the future, David just wants to take a break for a few months.

“I don’t know exactly what my career will look like but I have plans to return to UQ and study a Master of Philosophy in Ancient History - possibly in the area of Roman social history, with a focus on Roman morality,” David said.

“Eventually, I’d love to craft a career around my passion for Ancient History and be able to share with others.”
Media: Dania Lawrence (07) 3365 9163 or d.lawrence@uq.edu.au.