​Generous prize and scholarship donors joined Mayors of the cities of Kwinana and Rockingham, University leaders in congratulating more than 70 winners in 13 student prize categories; including six student scholarships and two staff awards.
The achievements and academic excellence of Murdoch University students, and staff from the Schools of Health Professions, Psychology & Exercise Science, and students residing in the Peel region, were celebrated at a recent ceremony on the University’s Mandurah campus on 17 October 2018.
Nursing student Sarah Hyde was presented with the City of Kwinana Scholarship by Mayor and Murdoch University alumnus Carol Adams.A major supporter of the event, the City of Mandurah sponsored an Indigenous Award, received by Jedda Salmon; a Leadership Scholarship, received by Tash Morgan; and two Undergraduate Scholarships, which were awarded to Julia Delaney and Katie Rapley.
Counselling student Arron Davey received the Godfrey T. Barrett-Lennard Peer Award for the ‘most outstanding contribution as a positive role model in interactions with peers, staff and the community by a counselling student'.
In his vote of thanks, Mr Davey acknowledged the commitment, hard work, struggles and successes of his fellow students throughout their academic endeavours, as well as the generous donations made by prize and scholarship donors.
“The numerous prizes that are awarded by Murdoch University each year greatly assist students and inspire them in their academic pursuits,” he said.
“Throughout the amazing experience I have had here at Murdoch, I am privileged to have been afforded the opportunity to chase my professional dreams but along the way have been supported and encouraged to explore and pursue my true self, to believe in my own capacity, intelligence and value as a member of my student cohort.”
“I am here to celebrate, along with all the recipients of tonight’s awards, and we do so in the presence of those around us that have been integral to supporting us along our journey.”
Since 2009, the Rockingham Soroptimists, a group of women who support other women, have presented awards to female Murdoch University students who have completed the OnTrack program, received this year by Cassie Power for Semester 1 and Louise Watt for Semester 2.
For the first time this year - the Mandurah Soroptimists' group also donated an award - which was received by Linda Chaplin, of Lakelands, who is studying a Bachelor of Nursing via the OnTrack program.
“OnTrack is a great course to do for those who have been out of school for a long time, and gave me the academic skills that have helped me to transition to University learning,” Ms Chaplin said.
“Receiving this award was a pleasant surprise, and validation that my hard work is worthwhile. This gives me the impetus to continue to study hard and to pursue my goal, which is to do midwifery.”
An Excellence in Clinical Supervision Award was presented to School of Health Professions Tutor and Clinical Nurse Educator, Aaron Alejandro, after receiving the most votes from the undergraduate Nursing students for his “excellent contribution to an outstanding student experience", while Dr Zablon Njiru received an award for the Best Teaching Performance in Nursing.