Graham Thomson Scholarship (returning)

The scholarship was established in 2017 by Brisbane Boys’ College Old Boys John Wylie AM and Michael Wood to acknowledge Graham Thomson’s longstanding service to education and the community, and pays tribute to his significant leadership, student mentoring and personal generosity.

Scholarship recipients are expected to correspond with their benefactors at least twice a year.

Graham Thomson AM completed his primary education at the Winton State School and the Ingham Rural School, received his secondary education while boarding at Thornburgh College, Charters Towers, and went on to study a Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Queensland while resident at Emmanuel College in 1947.

His teaching career began as a trainee teacher at Thornburgh and Blackheath Colleges, Charters Towers, from 1945 to 1946. He taught at Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) from 1948 to 1955 and at Phillips Academy, Massachusetts, USA, in 1973. He assumed an administrative career when he was appointed Principal of Thornburgh and Blackheath Colleges (1956 to 1973; Interim Principal 1974) and BBC from 1974 to 1989 and again in 1996. Graham taught generations of BBC students about the value of participation and “having a go”.

Graham was inducted into the fellowship of Emmanuel College in 2009 and the fellowship of International House in 2010. He was Development Director at Stuartholme School from 2006 to 2011 and has acted as Honorary Advancement Advisor at Emmanuel. Graham is a Life Member of the Australian College of Educators. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1995 for his contribution to education.

You’re eligible if you:

• are a returning resident at Emmanuel College; and
• attended Brisbane Boys’ College; and
• show sound academic ability and performance; and
• exhibit leadership qualities and positive peer support; and
• have a keen interest in sport and/or cultural activities; and
• have made a contribution to the community (evidenced at BBC, Emmanuel or wider)

You need to upload supporting documentation, including:

• previous academic achievements
• a personal statement of no more than 500 words outlining –
  • the reasons you are applying for the scholarship
  • the impact it would have on your collegiate experience
• a written character reference relevant to the scholarship
• a copy of your CV/resume

Please email scholarships@emmanuel.uq.edu.au if you have issues with your application.

Apply now

We will consider:

• your previous academic results at tertiary level
• your demonstrated academic ability, leadership qualities, keen interest in sport and/or cultural activities and contribution to the community

Emmanuel College scholarships are subject to the following conditions:

• full time enrolment at a program at The University of Queensland or other Brisbane-based university
• a full year residential offer from Emmanuel College
• an applicant’s agreement to the Residential Terms and Conditions, which form part of the residential offer, including maintaining a satisfactory General Point Average (GPA)
• an applicant’s agreement to abide by the contents of the Student Handbook

All scholarships are awarded on an annual basis for the duration of an applicant’s academic year; and are not awarded by single semester.