The University of South Australia Mount Gambier Campus celebrated student success at its recent Scholarships, Awards and Grants Celebration dinner.
UniSA Mount Gambier regional manager Ian McKay said the awards night was a terrific evening with almost 100 people in attendance.
“The Mount Gambier Campus Scholarships, Awards and Grants celebration is a recognition of student achievements and academic promise, and a special one for recipients, family and friends,” Mr McKay said.
“We had a lovely two course dinner prepared by Donna Stone Catering accompanied by wines from Patrick of Coonawarra and beers by Little Rippa Brewery.
“It is always nice to have a good number of people at an event like that, it is a positive evening, it is good for the students, and it is good for the staff.
“It is great to have community partners attend as well. Our partner organisations provide excellent support for our students and our campus.
“We are fortunate to have wonderful support for our students from organisations including the City of Mount Gambier, Wattle Range Council, Grant District Council, Naracoorte-Lucindale Council, Rotary and Gambier City Lions.
“Their appreciation of the importance of a strong, local university campus for our community is greatly appreciated.”
UniSA Provost and Chief Academic Officer Professor Jo Cys was the guest speaker on the evening and Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven was also in attendance.
Prof Cys said the event highlighted the incredible potential in regional communities.
“Our students who inspire and challenge us; our supporters who share our vision; and our staff who work tirelessly to bring it to life – you are creating a better future for everyone,” Prof Cys said.
“By supporting our scholarship and grants program, our wonderful donors give our students incredible opportunities, many of which they might never have had otherwise.”
Mr McKay believed it was very important to acknowledge the success of UniSA students in their studies.
“Celebrating success is such an important part of each student’s academic journey, and indeed, each of our journeys through life,” Mr McKay said.
“Students who were awarded scholarships and grants are also seen to be students with potential to achieve at a higher level, hence the reason they have been awarded scholarships and grants.
“Staff have a feeling of pride; it is a bit like a family on our campus because we are relatively small, and we have that strong sense of community.
“To see students succeed, particularly our academic staff really take a great sense of pride, but all of us in the Mount Gambier team feel pride when we see our students achieve at the level they are capable.”
