CQU Melbourne International Campus has recognised its high-achieving students in association with the September graduation ceremony, held on Tuesday September 4. 

The State Director's Awards for Leadership not only recognise outstanding academic achievement, but also take into account contributions to the community, the capacity to act as a mentor, the ability to respond to challenges and a commitment to the value of cultural diversity.

Ken Bruce with award recipients (from left) Amanda, Susheel and Sushma, with daughter Mehndi

Han Bing Yang (known as Amanda), a Master of Arts Administration graduate, is the first graduate from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities & Education at CQU Melbourne to receive a State Director's Award.

Since arriving from China 5 years ago, she has worked diligently at her studies and is keen to achieve her ambition of working in the creative industries, possibly in the production or television industry in China, Australia or wherever opportunities may occur.

While academic staff admired her focus, thoroughness and ability, she also gained widespread respect and appreciation from fellow students for her generosity as a mentor and her role as an exemplary quiet achiever.

Already the recipient of a Ph.D in Geography from her home country of India, Master of Accounting graduate Sushma has now demonstrated impressive competence in a new discipline.

Admired for her academic talent, Sushma also provided an exemplary role model to other students, proving what hard work and dedication can achieve. 

Sushma's maturity and leadership abilities were also highly valued and her contributions to group work and class discussions were acknowledged as outstanding. 

Staff readily agreed she was a worthy recipient of this award and wish her every success with her aim to find work as an accountant in Australia and spend more time with her husband and daughter Mehndi.

Master of Information Technology graduate Susheel (full name Tum Tum Ravi Prakash Susheel Kumar), from Chennai in India, very quickly developed a high profile on campus with both staff and fellow students due to his exuberant personality, infectious zest and participation in the full range of learning and social activities offered.

Of particular note was his ability to successfully balance his studies with a part-time job as well as voluntary community work with Oxfam.

Despite these considerable commitments, he still found time to generously mentor other students by actively encouraging them in their studies and job searches.

Staff are confident his boundless energy and enthusiasm will ensure his ambition to work in IT in Australia will be realised.

These attributes, as well as his demonstrated ability to act as a competent spokesperson for the campus, resulted in his selection for the role of Graduates' Representative, to speak at the ceremony.