Six UQ alumni have joined forces to launch an annual $5,000 scholarship for engineering, which will help students from remote and regional parts of Australia build the strong foundations for a successful career.
The six group members, James Beyer, Derick Markwell, David Rose, Gary Hing, Craig Hook and Cameron Manifold wanted to create a pathway for disadvantaged students to study engineering at The University of Queensland.
“Our fund is seeking practical-minded young people who have an affinity with regional communities and may have an interest in engineering,” Mr Manifold said.
Five of the founders studied mining engineering and one civil engineering at UQ and graduated in the late 70’s, early 80’s.
Since then their work has taken them across the globe and up the ranks of major mining and petroleum companies, but that didn’t stop them from keeping in touch, assisted by the UQ WA Alumni group.
Now their friendship has created an opportunity for other students to follow in their footsteps.
“We want to engage students who have a practical mindset and attitude,” Mr Manifold said.
Each founder has worked in remote communities across the country and the world, and have seen first-hand the talented young people who have struggled to take their education further because of financial hardship.
“There is a lot of potential talent, but they are missing out because they aren’t able to fund the travel and living expenses of studying in Brisbane.”
Through the opportunity for re-engagement with UQ through the WA Alumni group and support from the UQ Engagement and Philanthropy team, they have managed to establish this initiative that could change the lives of disadvantaged students across the country.
“We are hoping that our initiative might set a precedent for other UQ Alumni to get together and ‘crowd fund’ similar opportunities in their areas of professional interest. We hope that some of our fellow graduates may see this initiative and have an interest in contributing to enhance the fund” he said.
The fund will provide students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds with an annual $5,000 scholarship for the duration of their engineering program at UQ.
To contribute to this scholarship fund and support the next generation of mining engineers, visit UQ’s Giving website.
Media: UQ Communications, Paige Ashby, p.ashby@uq.edu.au, 0430 511 615
