Six high-achieving, first-year USC students have received the University’s most prestigious scholarship – the Thompson Excellence Scholarships, valued at up to $32,000 each.

The awards were first offered in 2015, made possible thanks to Roy and Nola Thompson’s $5million gift towards the Sippy Downs campus multi-level carpark which produces the scholarship funding.

Scholars receive $4,000 per semester of study for up to four years.

Recipients presented with their scholarships by the Thompsons at a ceremony at the USC Art Gallery last week (March 13) were:

• Indy Burt who graduated from Bundaberg State High School with an OP1 and is studying Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours)
• Eden Danielsen-Jensen who graduated from Burnside State High School with an OP1 and is studying a Bachelor of Science
• Tamika Francis who graduated from Burnside High School with an OP2 and is studying a Bachelor of Communication (Journalism)
• Tom Rosenthal who graduated from Caloundra State High School with an OP1 and is studying a Bachelor of Medical Science
• Joshua Dean who graduated from Brisbane Bayside State College with an OP1 and is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Accelerated)
• Oscar Noble who graduated from Nambour Christian College with an OP1 in 2017 High School and is studying a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

Director of the USC Development Office Russell Ousley said there were now 77 recipients of Thompson Excellence Scholarships.

“Scholarships are a real pat on the back from the community and show to the student that the community believes in them,” Mr Ousley said.

“From a practical sense, they also remove the need for the student to undertake excessive hours of part-time work. This means they can concentrate on their studies and continue to excel throughout their degree.

“Many of these students would struggle to complete their degrees without the financial support of the scholarship.”

Mr Ousley said it was an honour to host Roy and Nola Thompson each year on campus to meet the scholarship recipients.

“They take great pleasure in knowing that they have helped these students pursue careers that will be rewarding and have a positive impact within the community.”

— Megan Woodward