Alumni set up Memorial Prize for Anita Pitcher
USC graduate and former staff member, Anita Pitcher, sadly passed away in February 2008 after a battle with melanoma. Anita graduated with a Distinguished Academic Record, Bachelor of Business (Marketing) in 2007, winning four awards including ‘Outstanding Third Year Graduating Marketing Student’.
“Anita was a very high achieving student during her time at USC. She showed a natural ability in marketing and communications and had great rapport with both her lecturers and peers. She touched many lives and will be remembered with much affection”, say Associate Professors Marketing, Michael and Debra Harker.
Before studying at USC, Anita made a valuable contribution on staff as Acting Manager, Marketing and Communications and Acting Study Abroad Officer, International Relations. Anita dedicated much of her career to local council working in events, media and public relations for Maroochy Shire, Caloundra and Caboolture councils.
To honour her memory, four USC alumni have established the Anita Pitcher Memorial Prize. The inaugural prize will be awarded to the Most Outstanding Student: MKG321 Marketing Research Project at the end of 2008.
Angie Roberts BBus(Tourism) 2006; Sean Kontrimas BBus(IntBus) 2006; Suzie Burford BA(IntStud) 2005, BA(Hons) 2006 and Dave Gilbert BBus(IntBus) 2006 are seeking additional contributions for the $10,000 required to award the prize in perpetuity.
“Our friend and study partner, Anita was a determined, high-achieving, single mother who inspired and challenged others to strive for their best. She lifted the level of intellect in tutorials and lectures and could always be counted on for a laugh or a shoulder to cry on. We want her memory and spirit to live on”, says Angie Roberts.
Contributions of any amount are gratefully accepted. To participate, please contact Anita Edmonds, Alumni Relations Officer via <email: aedmonds@usc.edu.au; tel: +61 7 5459 4564>.
Graduation alumni reception
Graduation this year will be held on 24 April and is set to be a big event with over 2500 people expected to attend the ceremony at the new USC Sports Stadium.
The Alumni Relations office is hosting an informal reception followed by a tour of the campus grounds between 12.30pm–2.30pm to welcome graduating alumni who:
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are visiting the campus for the first time, or
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have travelled long distances
If you would like to attend, please contact Anita Edmonds, Alumni Relations Officer via <email: aedmonds@usc.edu.au: tel: +61 7 5459 4564>.
For all alumni at Graduation, representatives from the Alumni Relations office and careerconnection will be available to speak to at the Post-ceremony function.
Start it Up! 08—Entrepreneurship seminar
Start it Up! 08 on Saturday 17 May is designed to provide practical information and tips on starting and growing a successful new venture. Organised by the Innovation Centre and the USC Alumni Relations office, Start it Up! 08 is aimed at potential and new entrepreneurs wanting to start and grow ambitious businesses—particularly knowledge based, creative or technology ventures. It includes presentations from enterprising professionals who have made their dreams a reality.
USC Alumni are invited to attend this participative, entertaining and interactive seminar. Guests are also welcome. For more details, visit Alumni Events.
Alumni connect—where are they now?
Brooke Retchford, BA(Comm) 2003
After completing an internship with the Hyatt Regency Coolum during her last semester at USC, Brooke successfully applied for a Conference/Event Organiser role. At the end of 2004, she was promoted to her current position, Marketing Communications Executive that involves writing press releases, package promotion and advertising plans, hosting media famils, event organisation and marketing. “The course gave me plenty of opportunity to mix with local industry. I advise anyone to get as much work experience as you can. It can open doors and give you industry contacts and mentors”, says Brooke.
Sebastian Dietze, BBus 2005
Sebastian works for IMG in London, UK, as an Account Executive on the UEFA European Championships 2008 selling Corporate Hospitality packages. “The Union of European Football Association is very famous over here, organising all the major Football events including the European Championships”, says Sebastian. After leaving USC in 2004, Sebastian went back to Germany and completed further study with USC’s partner, The German Sports University in Cologne, publishing his thesis on "Relationship Marketing in Fitness Clubs". He then worked in France for 6 months before heading off to London.
Rochelle Coombs (nee Wood), BSc(PubHlth) 2006
Rochelle is working as a Health Promotion Officer for the Queensland Bowel Cancer Screening Program at Nambour General Hospital, Nambour. With a passion for early detection and cancer prevention, Rochelle’s voluntary work experience with the Queensland Cancer Fund (QCF) during her degree led to a dream job with QCF. She then worked for BreastScreen before starting this role. ”I promote bowel cancer screening to eligible people by educating them on diet and lifestyle factors which can decrease their risk of developing bowel cancer”, says Rochelle.
Roneel Mudliar, GCHRM 2004, GDMgt 2006
After completing his studies online in Fiji, Roneel moved to Auckland, New Zealand working as the Manufacturing Team Leader, Frucor Beverages (Just Juice, V drink). “I discovered New Zealand’s manufacturing sector was thriving and made the bold decision to make a fresh start there. I manage a critical and demanding process where no two days are the same. The management program that I completed through USC has positioned me well for future senior management roles in the plant and process industry in New Zealand”, says Roneel.
Phil Lord, BA 2003, GDEd 2006
Phil completed a Bachelor of Arts followed by a Graduate Diploma in Education leading to a 12 month contract working as a teacher with the inmates at the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre, Townsville. “It was a pretty interesting time and a real eye opener”, says Phil. “I have completed my teacher’s probation and am now looking at a lot of opportunities either here or overseas in related fields of education, government etc.“
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. Also, please let us know if you would like us to forward your news to any particular lecturers or tutors.
Western Desert Art exhibition
USC Art Gallery
3 April 2008–3 May 2008
Comprised of paintings by mostly Pintupi artists from the Kintore and Kiwirrkura regions of Central Australia, the University of the Sunshine Coast‘s collection of large scale western desert art has come about through generous donations.
A Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant was used to create interpretive material and an education resource (PDF 628KB) for schools to accompany the collection. This exhibition will launch the program as part of the University's community engagement goals and to encourage life-long learning.
For more information about this and other exhibitions, please visit the Art Gallery website.
The University of the Sunshine Coast Gallery 2008 exhibition program proudly supported by major sponsor Coastline BMW.
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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