To highlight the transformative power of higher education, the University of the Sunshine Coast is encouraging people to ponder what their ‘super powers’ might be in the lead up to its annual Imaginarium and Open Day on Sunday 7 August.

The combined community celebration and open day event from 10am to 2pm will this year don a superhero theme to spark the imaginations of children and adults alike, and resonate with prospective students who are seeking to match their individual strengths with careers.

To see what super powers you might possess, and for ideas on how to put those powers to good use, try out USC’s fun superhero profiler at: www.usc.edu.au/profiler

Eight current USC students were profiled recently and their transformed alter egos will feature in the University’s promotions of Imaginarium and Open Day in coming weeks. Marvel at their transformations at www.usc.edu.au/heroes

The major Imaginarium prize this year is a superhero transformation for one lucky winner and two friends. To be in the running, go to: www.usc.edu.au/win

There will also be plenty of entertainment, food and fun activities – including a supersized maze and superhero cards to collect – plus the chance to feature in a photo of the Sunshine Coast’s biggest ever collection of superheroes.

The Open Day component will provide prospective students with all the information they need to make decisions about attending university next year.

They can register ahead of the event for free Future Students Tours of USC’s state-of-the-art facilities, and on the day attend career planning workshops to gain insights, direction and practical tools to launch their future careers.

There will be information sessions on business, IT and tourism; creative industries, design and communication; education; engineering and science; health, nursing and sport sciences; humanities, psychology and social sciences; law and criminology; and pathways to university.

USC is this year celebrating 20 years of providing tertiary education on the Sunshine Coast.

During that time it has helped transform the lives of tens of thousands of people, including 17,000 graduates and almost 12,000 current students. Its estimated financial impact on the region and the state of Queensland is $2.38 billion.

For more details about USC’s Imaginarium and Open Day, including a checklist on how to make the most out of the day, go to: www.usc.edu.au/imaginarium/

— Terry Walsh