April 17, 2024

Jackson Cocks awarded Chancellor Robert Hope Memorial Prize

Engineering and law graduate recognised with prestigious award for contribution to student experience

Engineering and law might seem like a unique pairing, but for Jackson Cocks, the two fields are tied together by a common thread: problem solving.

Jackson loves the opportunity to look at a puzzle and find a solution. It is this approach that has propelled him through six years of study and to achieve a double degree from the University of Wollongong (UOW) with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Laws (Honours).  

“I love being able to apply a set of rules to a problem and come up with the best possible solution to the scenario. That can be working with numbers and statistics and how those apply to a structure in engineering, or working with facts and how those apply to someone’s life or a piece of legislation in law,” says Jackson.

“I did well in science and maths in high school, but I also became interested in the law towards my final years. I love being able to put forward a point or solution, and argue for it, so law and engineering seemed like the best way to bring those together and provide a lot of career opportunities.”

Growing up in Callala Bay, on the NSW South Coast, Jackson was an outstanding student at high school and chose to study at UOW as it was closer to home and seemed to offer a more collegial environment. It was a prediction that proved to be true, as Jackson has become immersed in the vibrant student environment throughout his time at UOW.

As part of this week’s graduation ceremonies (Tuesday 16 April), Jackson was named the 2023 recipient of the Chancellor Robert Hope Memorial Prize, the University’s most prestigious honour for students. 

The medal celebrates the life and contribution of the University’s founding Chancellor, Robert Hope. It is awarded to a student who demonstrates exceptional academic performance, outstanding leadership, and a significant contribution to the University or wider community.

The award recognises the active role Jackson has played in driving positive change for UOW’s student cohort. It is a role that has come naturally, Jackson says, and is an extension of his passion for creating a supportive and welcoming community for all. 

“If I am passionate about an issue, I will do everything I can to make an impact,” he says. “I was also involved in my community in high school, and I wanted to continue that at university. Having the opportunity to think critically about the issues that affect students and create tangible change was incredibly rewarding.”

As Chair of the Student Advisory Council, Jackson has advocated for the needs and concerns of UOW’s diverse student cohort. This, in part, led to the Students as Partners framework, an initiative that pledged to create a strong, productive, and dynamic partnership between the University and students. At the heart of this is inclusion, diversity, collaboration, consultation, and feedback.

“Developing the Students as Partners was a real highlight of my time at UOW,” Jackson says. “It is great to know that this will help students for years to come.”

Jackson was also part of the team behind the UOW Youth Climate Change Project, in which a group of students developed the Youth Climate Statement.

“That was a really enjoyable experience,” he says, “as it gave us the chance to engage in advocacy and to commit the time and resources to create a quality climate change statement.”

^{Jackson Cocks and Harrison Cocks, who both graduated this week.} 

Jackson’s advocacy on behalf of the student body has also provided him with valuable skills that have translated to his legal career. Since 2019, he has been a volunteer with the Illawarra Legal Centre, where he has been immersed in the worlds of tenancy law and welfare rights. It has combined his interest in social justice issues with his love of the law.

“I was probably idealistic when I began, but spending a few years in this world, in helping people with welfare and tenancy issues, has stripped that away a bit. It has been very rewarding but very complicated at times.

“I’ve seen that none of the systems are perfect, but also realised that no system will ever be perfect, so I am always trying to improve things.”

With two degrees now completed, Jackson says that he will focus on the legal side for the next few years. He was actively involved in the UOW Law Students Society as well as moot competitions and mock trials. It is this experience that taught him a lot about what it means to work in the law and given him practical skills that have eased the transition from student to practising lawyer.

“The degree is quite theoretical and it is a huge workload, but I really valued getting to explore the practical side of the legal system. I took every opportunity to learn from established solicitors and barristers, to find mentors, and practise skills like arguing a point or cross examination. If you don’t get involved, you don’t get as much of a chance to take part in that legal problem solving.

“Being able to take part in student competitions, getting to make friends and learn together, has been valuable and has led me to where I am today.”

Jackson was thrilled to discover that he was the recipient of the 2023 Chancellor Robert Hope Memorial Prize and to have his family and his girlfriend there for his graduation. His brother, Harrison, graduated the day after with a Bachelor of Psychological Science from the Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. 

“I was happy to see that the work I had put in over the years was recognised. I really value my connection with the University and hope to continue that for years to come. I want to keep exploring ways to provide more practical opportunities for law students.”