Jazz student recognised for ambassadorial role
Published on 09 September, 2008
CQUniversity jazz student Alex Nesevski has been recognised for his off-stage efforts while on an outbound program at America's renowned University of Louisville Jazz School.
Over a period of 4 months, the talented drummer played on a voluntary basis at a gospel church each weekend.
Alex with Queensland Trade Minister John Mickel
He also played at marching band gigs, supported promotions of the Louisville Jazz Society and maintained good grades in his lessons while attending all the available tutorials.
Even an informal rehearsal room prank involving a scare mask managed to come good, as the University used video of the event in a light-hearted segment on a visitor's pack DVD. Baptism in jazz a revelation
Alex's efforts in the USA earned him a Highly Commended award in the recent Queensland Student Ambassador of the Year category of the 2008 QETI (Queensland Education and Training International) Awards for Excellence at Parliament House on Wednesday night (Sept 3).
The awards recognised the individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to Queensland's $1.6 billion education and training industry in the last 12 months.
The gospel church where Alex played
Alex was pipped for the main award by a PhD student who had set up volunteer programs in Vietnam. However, during the presentation night, he was approached by one of the judging panel members who introduced herself and personally congratulated him on his award.
Alex's experience is a valuable guide for CQUniversity's Australian students considering crediting an overseas element as part of their degree. Assistance of up to $5000 is available with application details via k.wolfs@cqu.edu.au .
Meanwhile, Alex is still 'gigging hard' around the Mackay district while completing the final term of his undergraduate degree with CQUniversity.
