The Rock Building Society, in conjunction with CQUniversity, has celebrated the awarding of the inaugural John Maxwell Memorial Scholarship, which was established last year in memory of the late John Maxwell...

The first scholarship has been awarded to first-year CQUniversity Bachelor of Accounting student Benjamin Jones.

Recipient Benjamin JonesThe Rock Building Society established The John Maxwell Memorial Scholarship to support a CQUniversity accounting student in their first year of study, as a way to honour the memory of John Maxwell by acknowledging his professional accomplishments, thirst for knowledge and desire to help others.

"We were delighted to award Benjamin with this inaugural, annual scholarship which is designed to give him a substantial head start in his future career," The Rock's Interim Managing Director and CEO, Stuart McDonald said.

Ben Jones is the first winner of the Scholarship, and his award was celebrated at a morning tea with the Rock Building Society Board of Directors and representatives from CQUniversity.

CQUniversity Associate Dean Learning & Teaching Beth Tennent said she was "always delighted to hear of our students' achievements, and I wish Ben every success in his studies".

The scholarship provides him with a great start to his educational journey, with the knowledge that he has the backing of The Rock, willing him to succeed, in addition to the generous financial bursary he will receive.

Benjamin is congratulated by CQUniversity's Beth Tennent and The Rock's Stuart McDonald, Interim Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer

 "Winning The Rock's John Maxwell Memorial Scholarship gave me a great sense of achievement and pride, particularly knowing how  well-respected John Maxwell was in the community," Benjamin said.

John helped to establish The Rock Building Society as a Central Queensland icon, and was an integral part of the business for 43 years.

The well respected and prominent businessman practised as an accountant for over 35 years, and was a senior partner with accounting firm Maxwell and Cameron Ltd.  

He served as The Rock's first general manager, became a director in 1975, and served as deputy chairman from 1981 before becoming The Rock's Chairman in November 2007. John was known as a 'people person' who was as generous with his own family and friends as he was with the wider community.

This Scholarship is a great example of how a community organisation is helping to promote knowledge and education links while developing the skills of local people who will contribute to the development of their home communities.