Three students described as the 'cream of the crop' of applicants have each received a $10,000 scholarship from the Iwasaki Foundation, so they can concentrate more on their studies and less on their finances...

This year's recipients were Thomas Donaldson, who has come from Yeppoon High to study Information Technology, Destiny Powell, who has come from Glenmore High to study Nursing, and Rebecca Armitage, who has come from North Rockhampton High to study Accounting.

Iwasaki Foundation Scholarship recipients Thomas Donaldson, Destiny Powell and Rebecca Armitage

LINK to Oh baby! What a way to end school and start Uni

The Foundation's Bursary Committee Chairman Chris Kennard said the scholarships were designed to create opportunity for students who may otherwise not have taken up a university degree, due to financial concerns.  Also on hand to congratulate recipients were long-serving Iwasaki Foundation Chairman Hugh Grant OAM, Iwasaki Company's Managing Director of its Australian operations (and Foundation board member) Ted Mitani, other Foundation members, family members and representatives from schools and the University.

An Iwasaki Foundation Scholarship recipient from 2011 - Nyree Humphris from NRHS - also attended to wish the new recipients well. Nyree is now in the second year of an Exercise Science degree.

Iwasaki Foundation Scholarship recipients Thomas Donaldson, Destiny Powell and Rebecca Armitage (front centre) flanked by Foundation and University representatives L-R Ted Mitani, Lillian Lever, Chris Kennard, Ross Quinn, Hugh Grant, Professor Scott Bowman and Vicki Bastin-Byrne

Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman praised the wonderful and growing relationship between the University and the Iwasaki Foundation.

He said CQUniversity students were often the first in their family to enrol for tertiary studies, and often had to juggle work and study. With financial support, students were able to focus more on getting good grades and shaping exciting careers.

"CQUniversity graduates have been able to achieve national and even international leadership roles," Professor Bowman said.

The scholarship will help recipients meet the costs of textbooks, university fees, computer equipment and accommodation.

The Iwasaki Foundation is a charitable trust established by the generosity of the late benefactors Mr and Mrs Yohachiro Iwaski, and was the initiative of Rockhampton businessman, the late Les Duthie.

The Foundation was originally set up to provide benefit to aged, infirm, disabled and needy people, and over the years many people have received support in the form of subsidized holidays and accommodation. In 2010, the Foundation extended its support to include students in need, through educational scholarships. Foundation directors are drawn both from the local community and the Japanese business community