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Engineering student, Samuel Givney with QAL Managing Director, Johan van Zylngineering student Samuel Givney was awarded the annual Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) Scholarship at an official function recently (Thursday 27/9/07).

QAL Managing Director Johann van Zyl said Samuel, a first-year student studying Bachelor of Engineering (Co-op) and Diploma of Professional Practice at the Gladstone campus, would receive $5000 per annum towards his studies.

"The annual scholarship program is highly sought after and an important part of QAL's commitment to local education, the development of youth and the future of Gladstone," Mr van Zyl said. 

"The selection of a QAL scholar is not only based on academic excellence, but also community involvement, overall personal presentation and commitment to the successful completion of studies as a full-time student at CQU.

"This year's scholarship attracted many applications, with 3 very strong applicants in particular. After much deliberation, Samuel was announced as the recipient on this occasion and we have also chosen to award 2 $700 runner-up prizes to Andrew Miller and Mitchell Salonen.

"By supporting our local students we are fostering local talent and making an investment in our future. All of our finalists will be able to access vacation employment and work experience at QAL to compliment their studies."

Gladstone Head of Campus, Dr Pierre Viljoen said CQU was very appreciative of the ongoing QAL scholarship.

"The scholarship and involvement with QAL is an excellent opportunity for our Gladstone students. 

"There was an excellent field of applicants in 2007, evidence of the fact that we are increasingly drawing exceptionally gifted students to the campus, who benefit even further from our small class sizes and personalised attention," said Dr Viljoen.

The QAL scholarship program has been running since 1975. It is open to CQU students whose homes are in the Port Curtis region, who are full-time first-year students proceeding from year 12 and who are enrolled in one of the following QAL industry-related courses: applied science (including environmental studies), business, engineering or information technology.