Jeremiah Jacob, Mya Wilkin, Georgia Clark and Syed Taqvi.
Four outstanding Edith Cowan University (ECU) students were recognised and awarded the Vice-Chancellor's Student Award at this year's Scholarship Ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor's Student Awards recognises students or student teams that give back to ECU or the broader community in the areas of Community Engagement, Contribution to University Life, and Reconciliation.
ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Chapman was proud to present the awards to students who exemplified personal excellence.
"The Student Award winners were selected against stiff competition as a result of their talent, drive, and enthusiasm," Professor Chapman said.
"I am incredibly proud of our students who are the leaders and creative thinkers of tomorrow."
Increasing awareness within the community
The Vice-Chancellor's Student Award for Community Engagement recognises a student, or a student team, who has demonstrated outstanding engagement with external communities.
This year, the Award went to Bachelor of Media and Communications students; Georgia Clark and Mya Wilkin.
Georgia and Mya researched, recorded, and produced a four-part interview series called Ningaloo Outlook that engaged scientists and researchers to help audiences explore WA’s Ningaloo Marine Park.
"We wanted to cater to a young adult audience to increase awareness of the reef, and also inspire new students to become researchers," Georgia and Mya said.
Honoured to have received the award, the pair were grateful to their lecturers, Dr Laura Glitsos and James Hall.
"Producing the podcast and achieving the Award would not have been possible without the support of our lecturers and tutors, the practical experience we gained through our classes and the support of our family," Georgia and Mya said.
"We are graduating soon, so this is just the perfect way to end our ECU experience."
Contributing to the greater good
The Vice-Chancellor's Student Award for Contribution to University Life is awarded by the University to recognise a student, or a student team, who has made an outstanding contribution to student life.
This year, the Award went to School of Nursing and Midwifery student Syed Taqvi.
Willing to go above and beyond for others, Syed has volunteered as Student Ambassador and Peer Mentor. He has also been the School of Nursing and Midwifery Student Guild representative since 2021. In this role, he has organised numerous events increasing student and community engagement and assisting to create a multicultural environment where equity and respect are promoted.
"I love to care for people, since I moved to Australia from Pakistan and studied about Indigenous history and culture, I want to support Indigenous rural communities as a registered clinician," Syed said.
"I feel absolutely thrilled and honoured to receive the Student Award; I have worked very hard as an international student.
"When I chose to pursue my education at ECU, I decided that I would meet Professor Chapman by winning this award one day - and I finally did it. The Award is one of my life's biggest achievements that I will cherish forever."
Closing the gap and reducing recidivism
The Vice-Chancellor's Student Award for Reconciliation recognises a student, or a student team, who has demonstrated outstanding contribution to develop an equitable community that values Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and knowledge.
This year, the Award went to Jeremiah Jacob who is currently studying a Bachelor of Science (Nursing).
Jeremiah founded Teamwork WA, an organisation dedicated to closing the gap and reducing recidivism in Western Australia.
Recognising that integral support for individuals is not just about a handout, but a hand-up, Jeremiah resolved to address employment challenges faced by those dealing with mental health issues, substance abuse histories, criminal backgrounds, or cultural barriers.
"To date, TeamWork WA has provided employment to 338 individuals, each with a unique personal story," Jeremiah said.
"Our commitment extends beyond employment, encompassing on-the-job training, skills enhancement, and a robust focus on fostering successful careers within the construction and mining industries.
"Our employees are also supported by on-site mentors who provide invaluable emotional support."
For Jeremiah, receiving the Vice-Chancellor's Student Award for Reconciliation is an immense honour.
"I'm humbled to be the recipient of such a prestigious award," Jeremiah said.
"This award validates my personal belief that while we may not single-handedly transform the world, we can transform an individual's world.
"The magnitude of systemic issues may seem insurmountable, but we can each be a part of the solution."
The Vice-Chancellor's Student Awards were presented at the ECU Scholarship Ceremony on Wednesday 25 October.
