Alumni enjoy Pulse unveiling
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A crowd of more than 300 people attended the official dedication of the new sculpture, Pulse, at the Art Gallery forecourt on 5 April. Thank you to all our graduates who came to share in this historic occasion.
As the guests assembled, the stunning sculpture was veiled only by darkness. During the dedication speeches Pulse was gradually illuminated by six halide lights as its seven-metre-long red and orange rods came to life.
“Pulse is fantastic—it is a fun, youthful art form with potential for interaction with the elements and students,” Christine Bennett (BA 2007) said. Christine is pictured at right with Pam Hardgrave (BA 2005, BA (Hons) 2007); Don Hardgrave; and Steve Ambrose (BBus 2005).
“After the unveiling many guests gravitated to the vibrant sculpture to revel in the glow and to touch it. The Art Gallery also presented some exceptional work. What a great night!” Christine said.
The sculpture, by Melbourne artist Konstantin Dimopoulos, was commissioned as a result of a generous donation by the Lee Graff Foundation in the United States, through the efforts of Mrs Arija Austin, a Senior Honorary Fellow of the University. Trustee Scott Morielli of the Lee Graff Foundation and his family travelled from California to attend the dedication ceremony.
The funding of Pulse is a result of the University's campus enhancement program, part of the $5 million Building Excellence fundraising campaign.
Eddie Jones inspires students and alumni
Queensland Reds rugby union coach Eddie Jones (pictured) has encouraged USC’s sport science students and graduates to take an active role in securing the future of professional sport.
The motivational speaker and former Wallabies coach visited the University on 28 March and inspected its new Centre for Healthy Activities, Sport and Exercise (CHASE) laboratories and the $10 million indoor sports stadium, which is nearing completion.
Mr Jones then spoke to Bachelor of Science (Sport and Exercise Science) students and alumni about the role of sport science in the preparation of a high performance rugby team.
“The most successful sport scientists are the ones who can apply what they've learnt at university in practical terms within a team environment, and know how to communicate to the players,” he said.
USC sport scientist Mark Sayers, who previously worked as a biomechanist for the Wallabies when Mr Jones was coach, said he was delighted by Mr Jones's guest lecture.
“He not only shared his wisdom, but he emphasised the need to be able to communicate the science to coaches and players,” Dr Sayers said.
“And he made it clear that passion is the key.”
USC helps graduate make a difference
Nicole Byrne’s USC degree has led to employment at one of the world’s most famous tourist attractions—Australia Zoo.
The Bachelor of Business (Tourism) graduate and USC alumni member first met Terri Irwin at a Faculty of Business function held on the University campus. She began work at the Zoo as part of its volunteer program, but after a few days moved into a permanent role.
Nicole has now been Terri’s personal assistant for four years, with her role involving a diverse range of responsibilities including liaison with various levels of government; coordination and facilitation of film and production; media liaison; education, marketing and promotion; event management; and roles as a spokesperson for the Zoo.
“One of my most memorable moments at the Zoo is an exciting adventure with Steve and Terri to Cape York for a crocodile research project," Nicole says.
“This included capturing 33 crocs over two weeks. It was up close and safe, and gave me a better appreciation of the behaviour of crocs—it was life-changing.
“Participating in the G’Day LA campaigns (designed to attract American tourists to Australia) has also been a highlight in terms of travelling and networking internationally.”
Nicole completed an Honours degree at USC in 2004 and is currently studying for a Master of Business Administration at the University.
“University is a huge part of your life, a huge sacrifice and investment. Being involved in the Alumni Relations activities is a way to stay in touch and grow with this investment,” Nicole says.
“USC offers you more than a degree, it offers you the chance to make a difference.”
Alumni Connect—where are they now?
Leanne Farrer (nee Portas), BBus (Management) 2005
Leanne has been living in the UK for the past two-and-a-half years and has recently started a new role at the University of Hull, three hours north of London. Previously, she worked at the University of Lincoln, an opportunity that arose from participating in the USC Global Opportunities (GO) Program. “I think doing a degree is the one most important thing you may do in your life that will guarantee you have more opportunities than you ever thought possible,” Leanne says. Leanne plans to return home to Australia in 2008 with her husband, Adam, who she met at USC while working at the Co-op Bookshop, to pursue a career in government.
Steve Ambrose, BBus (International Business) 2005
Steve is the Area Sales Manager for Overseas Distributors (OSD), a procurement specialist for off-shore businesses including the mining, construction, marine and engineering industries. Based in Brisbane, Steve is currently working on building and maintaining a customer base from scratch in Papua New Guinea, a project which has been both culturally challenging and rewarding. “I was pleased to be offered the position in my area of study,” Steven says. “As a mature-age student with two trades and a diploma, it goes to show that there are companies out there looking for graduates with life experience.”
Adam Windsor, BA 2003
Adam is employed as a full-time English teacher at a primary school in Osaka, Japan. At the same time, he is completing an online Masters in Journalism on a part-time basis. “Once I graduate, I hope to work as a journalist for a Japanese newspaper, or eventually as an East Asia correspondent for an Australian newspaper. That's the dream at least!”
Josh Marsden, BA (Design and Marketing) 2006
Josh is living at Airlie Beach and works in Project Marketing and Sales for LJ Hooker, Whitsundays. Working with large property developers, a typical project could involve anything from undertaking preliminary marketing proposals to selling a couple of hundred townhouses to investors and owner/occupiers. He has also started his own business offering an online personal trainer, gym and fitness network around Australia. “I really miss the Coast but I love the islands and lifestyle here,” Josh says.
Laura Sinfield, BSc 2007
Laura completed her Science degree at the end of 2006 and within a couple of months found work as a Research Assistant for the Bone Marrow Transplant Team at the Mater Medical Research Institute in Brisbane. “My degree and the subjects I studied definitely assisted me in getting the role,” Laura says. “I am very interested in the research field and they have also offered to let me do an Honours degree followed by a PhD with them in my research area. It’s great! I'm really enjoying it.”
Ian Layden, BSc (Environmental Science) 2005, BSc (Hons) 2006
Ian works as a Senior Project Officer for the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on the Queensland Wetland Program, based in Nambour. “I enjoy the job as it allows me to travel and interact with wetland specialists and landholders to develop practical tools and information to improve the management of Queensland’s wetlands and water quality entering the Barrier Reef lagoon,” Ian says.
What have you been doing since leaving USC?
We are always interested to hear what our graduates have been up to, so please send your story to Alumni Relations.
Graduate recruitment opportunities
Now that you’ve got your degree, have you considered applying for a position through Graduate Recruitment Programs? They are usually offered by Government departments and large private sector companies and are highly competitive, well-paid opportunities. These programs are generally one to two years duration, and provide you with training and professional development, while you rotate through different areas and responsibilities of the organisation.
March to August each year is the peak recruitment period, although some employers (including the Queensland Government), open their recruitment period around September.
Examples of programs that are currently open to graduates include:
Employer |
Closing date |
|---|---|
| Australian Bureau of Statistics | 31 May |
| Australian Competition and Consumer Commission | 30 July |
| Defence Graduate Development Program | 7 May |
| Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs | 3 June |
| IBM | Ongoing |
| Lend Lease Corporation | 31 May |
| Harvey Norman | 31 August |
To find out more about these programs visit:
Stay connected
As a member of our alumni, the University encourages you to stay in touch. To inform us of a change in your address or job, please let us know by either emailing Alumni Relations or completing the Stay Connected form.
The University profiles alumni members in USC publications and on the USC website throughout the year, so please let us know of your successes and achievements. We look forward to hearing from you.
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