Four high-achieving students starting at USC this semester have received inaugural Thompson Excellence Scholarships, valued at $32,000 each.

These prestigious scholarships, funded through a generous $5 million gift to the University by Roy and Nola Thompson last year, were presented at USC’s 2015 Semester One Scholarships Presentation Ceremony recently.

The recipients were:

• Brendan Boyd of James Nash State High School who achieved an OP1 and is starting a Bachelor of Biomedical Science;
• Tayla Dokonal of Unity College who scored an OP2 and is enrolled in a Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology);
• Naomi Joyce of Suncoast Christian College who achieved an OP1 and is studying a combined Bachelor of Education (Secondary) / Bachelor of Arts; and
• Erin McLaren of Sunshine Beach State High School who gained an OP1 and has commenced a combined Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Business.

Pictured from left: Tayla Dokonal, Erin McLaren, Brendan Boyd and Naomi Joyce.

Prior to the scholarships presentation ceremony on Thursday 19 February, Mr Thompson met with and congratulated the four recipients.

The Thompson’s $5 million dollar gift was matched dollar-for-dollar by USC to fund construction of the University’s first multi-level carpark, which is almost complete.

As well as keeping USC ahead of demand for parking bays as it continues to grow, revenues raised from the carpark’s operation in the University’s regulated parking zone will fund the Thompson Excellence Scholarships scheme for decades to come.

Mr Thompson said his donation to USC was aimed at establishing something that would support Sunshine Coast students over many years into the future.

“Scholarships to keep bright kids on the Coast and to help those struggling to afford to go to university, funded by a new carpark, seemed like a good way to do this,” he said.

USC’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Hill said USC and its students were fortunate to have the support of Roy and Nola Thompson.

“Hundreds of students will benefit from these scholarships over the years ahead, giving them the opportunity to get degrees and pursue the careers they want,” he said.

— Terry Walsh