Bundaberg local Christopher Luthe will start his university life with an extra $2000 in his bank account after winning a Central Queensland University scholarship.

After completing his year 12 studies at Bundaberg Shalom College last year Christopher is ready to start a Bachelor Informatics majoring in Information Technology and Applied Physics at Central Queensland University’s Bundaberg campus.

Christopher was selected as the School of Mathematical and Decision Sciences Entry Scholarship recipient. The scholarship is awarded to an enrolling undergraduate student who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement at a secondary school level, particularly in the study of mathematics and has a strong desire to pursue a career in mathematics or statistics.

Just right for Christopher who has always been keen on computers and physics and hopes to ultimately pursue a career involving his life long passion of physics.

“I have always been really keen on computers from an early age and I am pleased to continue this interest at a University level. The scholarship will assist me with the costs of preparing for University, I’ll probably buy my first year text books and put some toward the cost of my fees. I was quite surprised and extremely pleased to find out that I had won the scholarship,” Christopher said.

Christopher said he has decided to stay in Bundaberg to attend University despite the fact that many friends and past school colleagues were heading south to Brisbane.

“One of the major considerations for me was the cost of studying locally, I will reduce the financial burden plus the fact that Bundaberg is a pretty good place to live. I had visited the campus on occasions and talked with faculty representatives and decided that the local University met my needs.

Bundaberg CQU Informatics and Communication Sub Dean Angela Schlotzer says she is pleased that the scholarship recipient is a local student.

“We are expecting 400 new students as a whole to the University this year and it is really good to know that among those students is an Informatics and Communication Faculty scholarship winner. Christopher has obviously worked hard at school and will no doubt keep up his high academic achievements as he continues his studies at Bundaberg’s Central Queensland University," Ms Scholtzer said.

She said the University is becoming a popular first choice for many local students which is a very good sign.

“It is good to know that local students are remaining in the town and are considering this University as their first choice. Our slogan ‘CQU to take you wherever you are going’ will match Christopher’s ambition and take him in the career in physics and information technology.

Photo: Bundaberg CQU Informatics and Communication Faculty Sub-Dean Angela Schlotzer congratulates Christopher Luthe on his $2000 School of Mathematical and Decision Sciences Entry Scholarship win.