Four high-achieving students starting at USC this semester will receive inaugural Thompson Excellence Scholarships, valued at $32,000 each tonight (Thursday 19 February).

These scholarships, funded through a generous $5 million gift to the University by Roy and Nola Thompson last year, will be among 66 awards totalling $824,000 to be presented at USC’s 2015 Semester One Scholarships Presentation Ceremony.

Other highlights of the ceremony will be the presentation of the inaugural Laurie Cowled Regional Scholarship, valued at $20,000, and further scholarships of the same value provided annually by donations by Sir Clem and Lady Renouf and by Tim Fairfax AC and Gina Fairfax.

Many other scholarships have been provided by various businesses, community organisations and individuals, including the Caloundra RSL Sub-Branch, the ANZ Bank, Rod and Jan Forrester, the Sunshine Coast Daily, the Poole Group and Les and Mary Hall.

USC will present 40 Vice-Chancellor’s Merit scholarships, valued at $12,000 each. Most recipients are from the Sunshine Coast, but others are from across Queensland and interstate from Tasmania.

The University also will award Vice-Chancellor’s Honours Scholarships, valued at $5,000 each, to eight students who are starting postgraduate degrees this year.

USC’s Development Office Director Russell Ousley said the total value of the University’s first semester scholarships had doubled from almost $400,000 to more than $800,000 in just two years.

Mr Ousley said the ceremony was a wonderful event for donors as it affirmed the significant impact they have on young people at a critical time in their lives.

“Their contributions help reduce the financial pressure on students, allowing them to spend less time in part-time work and more time on their studies,” he said.

To contribute to scholarships and bursaries for students at USC, contact the University’s Development Office on (07) 5459 4418.

Pictured is Laurie Cowled who has provided a new scholarship for female students at USC.

— Terry Walsh