Looking forward to the UQ Ipswich Graduation is Faculty of Business, Economics and Law valedictorian Penny McVeigh.
Penny, who will graduate with a GPA of 6.958, will act as valedictorian for the 4pm ceremony on Monday, December 8, having studied the Bachelor of Business Communication at the Ipswich campus.
The Ipswich City Council employee commenced her studies in 2001 and since this time has balanced full-time work commitments with a part-time study load, all the while achieving excellent grades.
“It was difficult, but I set high standards for myself and I made sure that I put in a lot of hard work to achieve those goals,” she said.
“As I got used to what was expected at university it became easier to have a work/life/study balance.
“I was also fortunate my employer gave me study leave to attend classes and that support made it a lot easier to devote the time I needed to my studies.”
Meanwhile, Auchenflower local Mitchell Stalker is a member of the first cohort of students graduating from UQ’s Bachelor of Health Sciences at the Ipswich Graduation today.
A major strength of the Ipswich-based program is its ability to help students secure employment, as Mitchell, who grew up in North Ipswich, can attest.
Prior to graduating he accepted a job with the Ipswich City Council, and will work on the Fit and Fuelled program, which encourages school-aged children and their parents to be active and eat healthily.
“A major course highlight was completing my work place practicum,” he said.
“All of the skills that were learnt throughout the course could be transferred into a practical environment.
“Whether you were interested in Indigenous health, health promotion, health policy or occupational health and safety there was always something interesting.”
Media: UQ Ipswich Marketing Manager Loretta Porche (0418 772 819, l.porche@uq.edu.au)
