Australian Commonwealth Games athletes are among a group of 58 University of Queensland students awarded 2018 UQ Sporting Scholarships.
Beneficiaries include Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology (EAIT) students Paralympic gold medallist upcoming Commonwealth Games athlete Lakeisha Patterson OAM, multi-Australian Gymnastics Champion Michael Mercieca, Rio Olympian Cornelius Foley and Australian Rowing World Cup team-member Caitlin Cronin.
This year the Faculty is one of the most represented across all UQ’s Sporting Scholarships.
A record 59 Scholarships were awarded to students from across the University at a ceremony at UQ, including 16 students from EAIT.
Female students made up more than half of the cohort with 34 receiving scholarships and the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Program was the best represented, overall.
UQ Sport Chief Executive Bryan Pryde said the UQ Sporting Scholarship program had grown each year.
“Thanks to the generous contributions of our donors, we have eclipsed our previous record for the most sporting scholarships awarded to UQ students,” Mr Pryde said.
“This continued support allows UQ Sport to deliver first-class academic, financial and sport-specific assistance to a far greater number of student athletes.
“I wish all our scholarship recipients continued success, in particular those representing Australia at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.”
Scholarship holders benefit from access to UQ Sport’s health and fitness facilities, as well as athlete workshops, academic liaison, support, and tutoring delivered through the UQ Sport Academy.
Recipients are also eligible for the UQ Sport Competition Subsidy to assist with out-of-pocket competition expenses, valued up to $2000 per annum.
Six-time Paralympic medallist Lakeisha Patterson - awarded both a Sports Achievement Scholarship and Clem Jones Sporting Scholarship - said the support would assist with her transition to tertiary study.
“The scholarships ease the financial burden that is associated with elite sport and tertiary study, as well as relieving the pressure to find employment to stay afloat,” Ms Patterson said.
“I am extremely grateful to the donors for their ongoing support which allows myself and many others to pursue our dreams, and unleash our potential in all avenues of life.”
UQ Sports Achievement Scholarship Committee Chair Professor Phil Bodman said he had the utmost admiration for elite student-athletes and their dedication to both tertiary education and professional sport.
“These top-level sportsmen and women face enormous commitments on their time and resources - they are excellent role models for all students,” Professor Bodman said.
“Wonderful philanthropic donations from a range of very generous donors means our scholarship program continues to thrive.
“Our long, prestigious list of elite student athletes who have represented UQ continues to expand due to this amazing generosity.”
2018 UQ Sports Achievement Scholarship recipients (value is from $3000 to $10,000 for one year):
Caitlin Cronin
Sport: Rowing
Course: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Con Foley
Sport: Rugby Union
Course: Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Commerce
Ryan Gassman
Sport: Rugby Union
Course: Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Science
Meg Gemmell
Sport: Rugby Sevens
Course: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Leo Lark
Sport: Weightlifting
Course: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Alexandra Martin-Wallace
Sport: Cycling
Course: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Faculty: Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Tara Melhuish
Sport: Orienteering
Course: Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Science
Michael Mercieca
Sport: Gymnastics
Course: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
George Morton
Sport: Sailing
Course: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Thomas Needham
Sport: Sailing
Course: Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Commerce
Lakeisha Patterson
Sport: Swimming
Course: Bachelor of Architectural Design
Seamus Tanna
Sport: Australian Football
Course: Bachelor of Architectural Design
Madeleine Williams
Sport: Rowing
Course: Bachelor of Architectural Design
John Yates
Sport: Rugby Union
Course: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
2018 Clem Jones Sporting Scholarship recipients (value is $18,000 over three years; $6000 per year):
Callum Breetzke
Sport: Surf Life Saving
Course: Bachelors of Engineering (Honours) / Information Technology
Jessica Carey
Sport: Netball
Course: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
