It was impressive enough when viewed as a numerical achievement. Out of a pool of 19,000 potential winners, 105 students travelled from a thousand-kilometre radius to share in 113 prizes and scholarships provided by 73 donors, in front of a crowd of 250.

But the audience at CQUniversity's Academic Prize and Scholarship evening in Rockhampton this week (March 31) were also reminded of the personal journeys and human faces behind the event.                                                LINK HERE for Orica Scholarship ensures budding engineer can sustain perfect start

Nursing academics Dr Kerry Reid-Searl (left) and Dr Trudy Dwyer (right) congratulate multiple prize winners Lea Vieth and Matthew Daley. Matthew was also guest speaker for the evening

Guest speaker and multi-prize winner Matthew Daley spoke about the vital financial support for those juggling study, work and family responsibilities.

Many recipients confirmed that awards provided extra motivation, inspiration and validation, which could be vital in sustaining them through challenging times.

Donor Chris Tollner from the University of the Third Age said the awards were an important symbol of cooperation between the campus and community.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman agreed, noting that growing donor support from industry, business and the community was evidence that CQUniversity was on track with its goal of being Australia's most engaged university.

Professor Bowman summed it up neatly when he recalled a prize he won in primary school, noting that he still remembered and felt proud about his achievement.

"These scholarships and prizes will not only take off some of the burden for students, in terms of making a difference they really will help to change lives," he said.

For details on how to partner with CQUniversity to support our students and the community, please contact the Office of Development and Graduate Relations via 07 4923 2786.

Doug and Cheryl Swain congratulate prize-winning Human Movements student Samantha Swain 
Michele and Paul Ryan were on hand to support Science student Kimberly, winner of a Robert James Diamond Trust Scholarship 
Donor Paul Andersen congratulates Mitchell Lees on winning a Fund for Accessing Potential Expertise prize, alongside proud parents Kerry and Barry 
Prize-winning IT student Andrew Brockhurst with proud parents Les and Marivic 
Leading Accounting student Amy Gow is congratulated by Cathy Smith 
Nursing prize-winner Lea Vieth gets a hug from mum Shielagh and niece Maddie 
Music student Glenn Thomas with children Lori and Mackenzie