Law students set to graduate from the University of Queensland at 6pm on Monday, May 12 have rewritten the record books on academic excellence.
An unparalleled 11 law students will graduate with University medals, and one of these medallists - Jacqueline Peel - has achieved a near-perfect Grade Point Average (GPA) of 6.9 for her combined bachelor of science (BSc)/bachelor of laws degrees - the highest GPA ever obtained by a University of Queensland law graduate.
The previous record for University medals awarded to law students in one year was 10, awarded last year.
- Jacqueline Peel will be graduating student speaker at the ceremony. The five-minute student address was introduced at the University's June 1996 graduation ceremonies. University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay said the student speech was important because the student body was the chief focus of graduation ceremonies.
Ms Peel, now working as an articled clerk with Brisbane law firm Allen Allen and Hemsley, achieved a GPA of 6.9 for her combined bachelor of science (BSc)/bachelor of laws degrees - the highest GPA ever obtained by a University of Queensland law graduate. Ms Peel studied environmental science subjects and genetics as part of her BSc and achieved first-class honours for her law degree. She will also receive a University Medal for outstanding academic achievement at the ceremony.
She said she wanted to specialise in the area of environmental law, in particular environmental policy and conservation management.
While at University, the former Brisbane Girls' Grammar student and Chapel Hill resident won a string of prizes for academic achievement including the Walter Harrison Prize 1994, the McCullough Robertson Prize 1994, the Australian Mining and Petroleum Law Association Natural Resources Law prize 1995 and the Corrs Chambers Westgarth Prize 1995.
She also tutored first year science students for three years as part of the Science Faculty's Peer Assessment Study Sessions (PASS) scheme. Ms Peel said she felt the secret to academic success was maintaining a balanced lifestyle including sporting and social activities and good time management. Contact: telephone 3833 3513.
- Lecturer Nadja Spegel (School of Law) will receive a University Excellence in Teaching Award which recognises innovative and active teaching. Ms Spegel is one of five University of Queensland winners announced late last year. They received a citation and a cheque for $10,000 each.
They were chosen by the University's Teaching and Learning Committee from 27 nominations by students and staff. Ms Spegel was commended as a young teacher with exceptional promise in 1995. She joined the University in 1990 as a tutor, and became a lecturer in 1993. She is cited as courageous in her experimentation with teaching techniques, and has introduced many subjects, including conflict resolution, into the law curriculum. She has been successful in teaching both students and teachers. Contact: telephone 3365 2639 (work).
- Nicole Watson, daughter of Aboriginal activist Sam Watson, has been working as an Associate with Mr Justice Tony Fitzgerald since January.
Ms Watson said she aimed to be a partner in the first Aboriginal-owned law firm.
'I'm interested in legal issues that touch on my community, including native title,' she said.
'I've wanted to be a lawyer since I was nine. My Dad used to work at the (Aboriginal) Legal Service and I used to look up to him. He was so community-minded and always did the right thing.
'We're both really proud of each other.' Contact: telephone 32479213.
- Dr Michael White QC will be the guest speaker.
For further information, contact University Manager, Protocol and Ceremonies, Robin Calcutt, telephone 3365 3159.
