CQU Melbourne International Campus has recognised its high achieving students with presentation of the State Director's Awards for Leadership.

These awards primarily acknowledge outstanding academic achievement as well as leadership potential, but also recognise qualities which inspire others such as:

• active contributions to learning activities
• assistance to fellow students
• respect for cultural diversity
• strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Assoc Prof Pramila Gupta with SDA winners - Banu Prakash Ashok Kumar and Smitha Mohan Kumar

This year's winners were:

Jaime Andres Martinez (Bachelor of Accounting)

Born in Bina del Mar, Jaime is the first graduate from Chile to receive this award as recognition of his solid academic achievements.  Described as a keen participant in learning and campus activities, Jaime also valued interaction with fellow students from many diverse cultures. His maturity and compassion were evident in his willingness to spend time assisting them in class and beyond.

Jaime's current goal is to broaden his local work experience preferably through participation in a graduate program to increase his local knowledge of taxation law.  Longer term he hopes to establish his own accounting business and looks forward to further embracing Australian lifestyle and a solid future here for his young family.

Smitha Mohan Kumar (Master of Accounting)

From Kerala in India, Smitha achieved the highest grade point average on the campus with consistently excellent results earning her the admiration of all staff.   Similarly Smitha has been gracious in her acknowledgement of the key role played by teachers who supported her efforts and ensured she enjoyed studying at the Melbourne campus.

Assoc Prof Pramila Gupta with SDA winner Jaime

Winning a State Director's award for postgraduate studies augments Smitha's reputation as an excellent student as it builds on an earlier undergraduate award.  She is now keen to benefit from local casual work experience in educational administration and hopes to find an ongoing position in Australia working as an accountant, perhaps initially joining a graduate or internship program.

Banu Prakash Ashok Kumar ( Master of Information Technology )

Banu, originally from Colombo in Sri Lanka, was an outstanding candidate for this award, achieving a record number of nominations. Staff were consistently impressed not only by his contribution to learning activities but also his leadership qualities.  His active participation in classes and encouragement of fellow students of all nationalities were frequently observed.

Of particular note was Banu's very early decision to aim for a State Director's award, and the focus and persistent determination throughout his program which ensured he achieved this goal.  Motivated generally by high achievers in business and encouraged by successful work experience here,  Banu's next goal is to secure a role as an information technology consultant with a global company.   He also looks forward to taking a well-deserved holiday showing his overseas family his favourite places in Australia.