Careers Expo 2024

Emmanuel College provides many opportunities for students to consider their career choices post university. Our very own Careers Expo is a bridge to the future for many of our students, marking a significant milestone in the journey of aspiring professionals. As the organiser of this event and as a passionate career practitioner, witnessing our students navigating through the stands of potential employers and educators at our recent 2024 Careers Expo filled me with an indescribable sense of achievement and optimism.

The expo, including the panel and social networking session, was filled with conversations, questions, and the palpable excitement of what the future holds. Students from various disciplines came together, each with their aspirations, to explore the numberless career opportunities laid out before them. It was not just about finding a job; it was about discovering a path that aligns with personal ambitions and the greater good of society, especially in the realm of sustainable jobs.

One student remarked, “I never knew so many doors were open to me. Today, I’ve spoken to professionals from industries I hadn’t even considered, and it’s truly broadened my horizon.” This sentiment echoed throughout the afternoon, encapsulating the essence of what we aimed to achieve – to enlighten, inspire, and connect.

Our focus on employability, internships, and the crucial networking that bridges the gap between academia and industry was evident. Industry professionals shared insights into the recruitment process, shedding light on what companies seek in graduates. Their presence provided invaluable opportunities for direct engagement, making the daunting world of job
hunting a more navigable landscape.

As we reflect on the success of the Careers Expo 2024, we look forward to not just the future events but the bright futures of the students who walked through our doors. Their journey is just beginning, and Emmanuel College is proud to have been a stepping stone in their path to success.

Over 200 undergraduate and postgraduate residents enjoyed the annual Academic Awards Dinners on Thursday 7 March 2024 which was held to recognise the outstanding academic results of our students.

Professor Bruce Abernethy AM, first class Honours graduate and university medallist from the University of Queensland, PhD graduate from the University of Otago, International Fellow of the American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education, Fellow of the Australian Sports Medicine Federation and a Fellow of Exercise and Sport Science Australia, was our guest speaker.

Professor Abernethy has recently been appointed as Executive Director of UQ’s Engagement with the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, and he used his address to talk about his role overseeing and coordinating all aspects of the University’s engagement with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Professor Abernethy gave our students a behind-the-scenes insight into this once in a lifetime event for Brisbane and south-east Queensland.

Several prizes were awarded on the evening, and the following students are to be congratulated on their exceptional academic achievements.

Special mention goes to fourth year student Vishaak Gangasandra who received the Dr Diana Cavaye Scholarship for the third consecutive year, for academic excellence and service to others, and was also awarded the top honour of Merrington Scholar for the second year in a row, after achieving the highest cumulative GPA of 7.

Merrington Scholar
Vishaak Gangasandra

Sir Harry Gibbs Law Scholarship
Jack Thatcher

Graham Thomson Scholarship
Vaughn Tully

Dr Diana Cavaye Scholarship
Vishaak Gangasandra

Mark McKay Memorial Scholarship
Jack Thatcher

Students’ Club Prize for Academic Accomplishment
Grace Taplin

Principal’s Medal
Bridget Wegner
Rain Yang

Alastair MacLeod Civil Engineering Scholarship
Tim Murdoch

Experience Scholarship
Layla Cramb

Scholarships
Lucy Morris Stevens Scholarship
Bridget Wegner

3rd Year 2023 Academic Prize
Vishaak Gangasandra

2nd Year 2023 Academic Prize
Nilaya Cannon
Chloe Deans
Marc Kuan
Tom McCarthy-James
Grace Taplin

1st Year 2023 Academic Prize
Jack Bortolanza
Molly Boyd
Tom Brentnall
Reese Casey
Sian Fisher
Cameron Garven
Ruby Graven-Dugmore
Thomas Gray
Emma Mountain
Aarav Rawlley
Eliza Roach
Edison Sole
Bridget Wegner
Edmond Wu
Rain Yang

Academic Scholarship for 1st Year Residents
Matt Bray
Taku Doherty
Patrick Kennedy
Vaughn Tully
Caitlin Wadley

Principal Stephen Peake has announced that leading figure and consultant in the university residences sector, Cam Bestwick from Swick Learning, who undertook the independent review of the College’s culture, has been re-engaged to support Emmanuel in implementing the recommendations outlined in the 2023 Review.

Late last year Emmanuel College released the findings in full to the community and externally, accepting and committing to the implementation of all the recommendations. The report can be found HERE.

Principal Stephen Peake said the Review provided an opportunity to refocus and reshape aspects of College life that will form the cornerstone of the College’s future success.

“As one of the first two residential colleges affiliated with UQ, Emmanuel College has always set the standard for college life, and aims to continue to provide a world-class collegiate environment that provides all of our residents the greatest chance of success in their chosen careers while also developing well-rounded and respected citizens,” he said.

“For many reasons, we felt 2023 was a good time to “take the temperature”, and we cast around the country to find someone who could provide us not just with an accurate picture of Emmanuel College 2023, but also a set of practical, implementable recommendations which would add real value to the residential experience at Emmanuel.”

“We felt Cam’s unique background and deep understanding of college life made him an excellent choice to undertake our review, and how he approached the project and eventually delivered such a comprehensive and
practical report completely vindicated that decision,” Stephen Peake said.

“By continuing our relationship this year as we tackle the report in earnest,
we hope we can get to the core of the recommendations he’s provided and be sure
we’ve captured the essence of the review in our future steps,” he said.

Cam Bestwick is looking forward to the collaboration with the College to advance
cultural reform.

“I am thrilled that we deepen our partnership and continue working together to
strengthen the College’s culture,” he said.

“From beginning to end, I admired the College’s commitment to the review process
and its long-term perspective. At Swick Learning we are all about bridging strategy
and implementation, and with the College’s aspiration to do the same, I feel certain
we will co-produce some meaningful changes for the benefit of the whole community.”