The Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (EAIT) at The University of Queensland (UQ) bid farewell to its first group of RWH Hawken Scholar students when they graduated last Thursday.
The RWH Hawken Scholars program emulates the vision of Professor Hawken who believed that students should be well versed in a combination of wide-ranging cultural insights coupled with academic excellence.
Executive Dean of the Faculty of EAIT, Professor Graham Schaffer said that of the 175 current Hawken Scholar students, 12 are set to graduate in the upcoming December graduations.
"It is an exciting time for these Hawken Scholars as they embark upon their professional careers," he said.
All domestic and international students studying a Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Architectural Design, Bachelor of Multimedia Design, or a Bachelor of Information Technology who have obtained a UQ Vice Chancellors or UQ Excellence Scholarship are automatically accepted into the Hawken Scholars program.
This program provides the Faculty's cohort of high-achieving scholarship students with enhanced academic, industry and cultural experiences and opportunities.
In addition to developing close contacts within their cohort, the graduating Hawken Scholars were also provided with opportunities to network with industry, community and corporate companies.
"The Hawken Scholar program allows our students to further develop their skills and knowledge through priority access to research, international exchange and industry sponsored opportunities," Professor Schaffer said.
"Each year our Hawken Scholars are invited to an exclusive networking dinner where they have the opportunity to connect with some of the bright minds from industry partners such as Boeing, Energex, Ergon Energy and Powerlink," he said.
"These 12 students were the first to be accepted into this program, which has been extremely well received by all of the participating students across all of the degree programs and year levels.
"I wish each of the graduating students the best as they begin their professional careers and I look forward to hearing of their future accomplishments."
Graduating Hawken Scholar Clare Stephens said the Hawken Scholars program provided her with many opportunities she otherwise would not have had access to.
"The Hawken Scholars program allowed me to make valuable contacts within the university and in industry," Miss Stephens said.
"The financial support allowed me to participate in study abroad, as well as independent overseas travel," she said.
The graduating Hawken Scholars have also led the charge on a new student initiative at UQ: a graduating class gift.
The Hawken Scholars have donated, and sought support from their engineering classmates, to support a Keynote engineering address in 2012, which will strengthen ties between students and alumni.
Faculty of EAIT's Director of Advancement, Jonathan Cosgrove said that the Class Gift will provide students, alumni and industry with fantastic networking opportunities.
"It goes to show the link between a great student experience, and philanthropy - we're delighted that this group is showing philanthropic leadership and thank them for their support," Mr Cosgrove said.
Media: Madelene Flanagan (m.flanagan@uq.edu.au or 3365 8525)
