The University of Canberra Union was proud to host the third campus wide Graduation Ball on November 25, 2016. The Graduation Ball was established to provide graduating students with an opportunity to celebrate their achievements on the day their results are released. The night included the presentation of UCSA Student Excellence Awards and the Vice Chancellor’s Student Excellence and Contribution Award. We would like to congratulate all the graduates from 2016 and our award winners from the night. Please see below for the full list and descriptions of award winners.
To see the full photo albums from the night please click the following links:
Claire Cavalan – UCSA Student Excellence Award
Degree: Bachelor of Graphic Design
Claire Cavalan commenced employment with Careers UC mid 2016 as part of the jobs on campus initiative. Claire’s role as a photographer is to support the team with photographing employer representatives, students and staff who are involved with Work Integrated Learning and employment initiatives for students on campus. Claire commenced with the team and they were instantly impressed with her work ethic, quality of work, communication and team work. Claire was also employed by other areas of the university due to her great skills and abilities; allowing her to grow her portfolio even further. Throughout her casual employment Claire has developed into a well regarded and valuable team member of Careers UC. She is trusted to visit employers off campus, including meeting with and photographing executives without supervision. Claire will complete her degree at the end of 2016; and we have no doubt her personal nature, attributes and technical skills will see her go far in her Career. The success of Claire’s position has also meant many other areas of UC are internally hiring students for media purposes. Claire is a well deserving recipient of an award as she embodies an exceptional UC student- one who is committed to securing opportunities to benefit their career, who demonstrates strong interpersonal and employability skills, and who can represent UC as both a student and a staff member.
Claire is being given this award for her exceptional work ethics and for her selfless work at the Careers UC.
Jack Hall – UCSA Student Excellence Award
Degree: Bachelor of Building & Construction Management
Jack Hall is an outstanding UC student and has made a significant contribution to the student body during his time studying at the University of Canberra. In addition to his studies, Jack has worked casually for the Student Engagement directorate since 2013. As an Aspirations Agent with the Widening Participation team, Jack has worked in rural and regional schools, sharing his story of moving to uni from a regional town to assist disadvantaged students realise their career dreams are valuable and achievable. Jack freely shares his knowledge with empathy, enthusiasm, and passion. Jack has worked at UC Open Days, facilitated activities at camps for high school students, tutored disengaged students, and shown himself to be a wonderful ambassador and role model for high school students from a range of disadvantaged backgrounds, in particular students from financially disadvantaged communities, from Indigenous backgrounds, and rural and regional schools. In addition, Jack has worked for the Inclusion & Welfare team, assisting students with health conditions to participate fully in their university education, and mentoring newly commencing students.
Jack is being given this award in recognition of her work as an Aspirations Agent, helping attract prospective students from disadvantaged backgrounds to UC and for fostering a better university culture.
Lucy Bladen – UCSA Student Excellence Award
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in International Studies/Bachelor of Communication in Journalism
Lucy Bladen started at the University of Canberra in 2013. She has just completed a double degree in international studies and journalism. In her time at UC she has been an active member of the press club and served as the communications officer in 2014 and the Vice President in 2015. In 2016, Lucy was the editor of Curieux- UC’s student magazine. She was integral in moving this to an online platform. In her role she has written countless articles and has a particular interest in Australian Politics. Lucy is incredibly sad to be finishing her degree. However, she is considering doing honours next year so this may not be the last we see of her.
Lucy is being presented this award for her exceptional work with clubs and societies and her work in promoting free media and press via the Curieux Magazine.
Luke D’Aquino – UCSA Student Excellence Award
Degree: Bachelor of Management
Luke D’Aquino has been an active member of the UC student community since 2014. As a senior UC student from a rural background (Orange), Luke has consistently acted as a mentor to younger UC students, assisting them to adjust to life as university students. Luke has worked as an Aspirations Agent for Aspire UC, the flagship outreach program for the University of Canberra facilitated by the Student Engagement directorate. In this role, Luke has worked with over 30 high schools in the ACT and NSW, inspiring students to aim high by providing information about the opportunities available through a university education. Luke has facilitated university experience days, providing high school students with hands-on faculty experiences, student accommodation tours, and provided course and degree information. Luke has spoken at Parent Information Sessions in regional communities and at UC Open Days. By dedicating his time to outreach for high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds, Luke has contributed to the UC student experience in the most fundamental way, ensuring the UC campus remains a welcoming and diverse environment for students from all backgrounds. Luke has consistently supported both current and prospective students of UC, both in his professional capacity as an Aspirations Agent, but also informally in his everyday life.
Luke is being given this award in recognition of his work as an Aspirations Agent, helping attract prospective students from all backgrounds and for his work as a mentor for younger UC students.
Micha Hobbs – UCSA Student Excellence Award
Degree: Bachelor of Information Technology/Bachelor of Commerce
Micah’s nominator referred to him as the best optimiser of UC. He is believed to be worthy of this award because of his wealth of knowledge in life optimisation and willingness to share this wisdom. Micah is known to introduce others to a number of life optimisation techniques which have helped them to improve their lives. Here is a few ways he does this:
- By treating uni studies as if it is work. By recommending to do 10 hours of study per unit, if you are doing 4 units.
- The power of reading books before bed. Micah advices to read books before bed to help sleep better and also expand vocabulary and literature skills. This habit has definitely added to the improvement of abilities to read and write.
- The power of having an attitude of gratitude. This conscious “attitude of gratitude” enables to act calmly in stressful situations to be better interacting with others.
Micah is being given this award for his depth of knowledge and his passion to provide life lessons to students.
Michelle Moore – UCSA Student Excellence Award
Degree: Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
In addition to her studies for her Bachelor of Psychology (currently completing her Honours year), Michelle has worked as an Aspirations Agent for Aspire UC, the flagship outreach program for the University of Canberra facilitated by the Student Engagement directorate since 2014. In this role, Michelle has worked with over 30 high schools in the ACT and NSW, inspiring students to aim high by providing information about the opportunities available through a university education. This is particularly with students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including financially disadvantaged students, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and students from rural and regional schools. Students from these backgrounds are traditionally underrepresented in higher education. Michelle has facilitated university experience days, providing high school students with hands-on faculty experiences, student accommodation tours, and provided course and degree information. Michelle has spoken at Parent Information Sessions in regional communities and at UC Open Days. By dedicating her time to outreach for high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds, Michelle has contributed to the UC student experience in the most fundamental way, ensuring the UC campus remains a welcoming and diverse environment for students from all backgrounds. Michelle has also worked for the Inclusion & Welfare team, facilitating student participation in UC life, and allowing students with health conditions to participation fully in their studies. Michelle has consistently supported both current and prospective students of UC, both in her professional capacity as an Aspirations Agent, but also informally in her everyday life.
Michelle is being given this award for her engagement aspiring secondary students from a variety of backgrounds including; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, low socio-economic status and first-in-family attending university.
Nawaf Ibrahim – UCSA Student Excellence Award
Degree: Bachelor of Public Sector Management
Nawaf is being given the award for his leadership, advocacy and contribution to the student community and the community more broadly. Nawaf has been a strong advocate for students and student engagement in University life in his role as President and International Students Officer of the University of Canberra Students’ Association.
Since joining UC in 2013 Nawaf has been involved in multiple different events. He got involved as a volunteer for UC Life! during his first week on campus and throughout the year volunteered on multiple projects. Later in the year he was elected as the International Students Officer at the UCSA, and worked hard to keep a constant stream of dialogue between international students and the UC management. Nawaf also helped establish the Overseas Students Collective and was a voice for international students. His commitment for UC and hard work led Nawaf to be elected as the first international student to be elected as the President of the Students Association. During his tenure Nawaf went over and beyond to decrease the gap between the student body and the UC senior management. With the support of his team, he was involved in the rolling out and brought back multiple events, including SHAG week and campaigning for a safer campus. Regardless of whether it’s a barbecue, an information session or sports Nawaf is always being ready to offer a helping hand.
Nawaf is being given this award for his diverse community involvement, exceptional self-management skills, and his thoughtful leadership style.
Sam D’Aquino – UCSA Student Excellence Award
Degree: Bachelor of Human Resource Management
Sam D’Aquino has been an active member of the UC student community since 2014. Sam has worked as an Aspirations Agent for Aspire UC, the flagship outreach program for the University of Canberra facilitated by the Student Engagement directorate. In this role, Sam has worked with over 30 high schools in the ACT and NSW, inspiring students to aim high by providing information about the opportunities available through a university education. Sam has facilitated university experience days, providing high school students with hands-on faculty experiences, student accommodation tours, and provided course and degree information. Sam has spoken at Parent Information Sessions in regional communities and at UC Open Days. Sam is an energetic, compassionate, and active member of the UC student community. By dedicating his time to outreach for high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds, Sam has contributed to the UC student experience by ensuring the UC campus remains a welcoming and diverse environment for students from all backgrounds. As a senior UC student from a rural background (Orange), Sam has consistently acted as a mentor to younger UC students, assisting them to adjust to life as university students by facilitating access to support services such as Medical and Counselling and Inclusion & Welfare. Sam has consistently supported both current and prospective students of UC, both in his professional capacity as an Aspirations Agent, but also informally in his everyday life.
Sam is being given this award in recognition of his work as an Aspirations Agent, helping attract prospective students from all backgrounds and for his work as a mentor for younger UC students.
Tayla Steele – UCSA Student Excellence Award
Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration/Bachelor of Business Management
Tayla Steele nominator referred to her as one of the most impressive students she has had the pleasure of knowing in her four years at the University of Canberra. In addition to her, Tayla has shown great commitment to the UC community and student body many times. Tayla has worked for Student Engagement’s Widening Participation team for four years, working in rural and regional schools to share her story about moving from a regional town (West Wyalong) to university, helping disadvantaged high school students realise their career dreams are achievable and valuable. Tayla has provided positivity, empathy and built rapport with hundreds of students over the years, working within classrooms and on campus during university familiarisation days, Open Day, and has presented with confidence and professionalism to parents and family members. In addition, Tayla works for the IS3 and the Inclusion & Welfare team, mentoring newly commencing students, providing support and advice to students needing guidance. Tayla has also sought additional opportunities such as Study Abroad & Exchange programs, completing studies in both the USA and Japan. Tayla is also employed as a Residential Advisor at CLV, showcasing her professionalism, trustworthiness, and care held for her fellow students.
Tayla is being given this award for her commitment and her passion to make the most of her time at UC, and for her wonderful impact on the lives of many students at UC both current and prospective.
Morgan Newman – Vice Chancellor’s Student Excellence and Contribution Award
Degree: Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Commerce
In 2012 Morgan moved on campus at the University of Canberra to study a double degree of Bachelor of Law/ Bachelor of Commerce. Since this time Morgan has been an active member of the University of Canberra Community, through her passion for helping fellow student and staff peers. In 2013 Morgan was apart of the Student Ressies’ committee in attempting to make Canberra Living Village a fun and safe place to live. She helped organise fundraising events such as the 2013 “Sleep Out” raising money for ACT homeless and also put on several events at “Old Res” to raise residential house funds. In 2014 Morgan was a Vice President of Events for the ACT Isaacs Law Society in helping Law Students connect during their studies and assist in planning events such as in annual ‘Law Ball’. Also in 2014 Morgan captained and coached the UC Volleyball team to University Games in which they placed third and went to play at the National University Games. From 2012-2016 Morgan worked at the University of Canberra Student Centre in helping students and staff members find their way during their University Experience. Morgan also worked as an Aspirations Agent for the Student Engagement Team, which included travelling out to rural and remote high schools and sharing her story as a rural and remote student and inspiring others to think not only about UC but higher education as a possibility. More recently in 2016 Morgan became as advocacy officer for the UCSA, in this role she has promoted and defended students’. Over Morgan’s five years at the University of Canberra, Morgan has been active in the University Community and attempted to make it a positive student experience. All while providing service to the UC community, Morgan has constantly achieved exceptional grades including receiving numerous Dean’s Awards and also being the recipient of the 2015 UC Future Leaders Scholarship.
Morgan is being given this exceptional award for her continues work in making UC student experience better for current and prospective students whilst managing a great GPA.
