December 7, 2023

Illawarra Connection Scholarships emphasise the importance of lifelong learning

2024 scholarship recipients announced

The University of Wollongong (UOW), in collaboration with The Illawarra Connection, proudly announced the recipients of the 2024 The Illawarra Connection Scholarships (TIC Scholarships) at a ceremony on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

The scholarships, announced by the Head of the UOW School of Business, Professor Grace McCarthy, support local talents in pursuing postgraduate studies to benefit the future prosperity of the region.

TIC Scholarships covers full tuition fees for successful applicants to pursue a Graduate Certificate degree at Sydney Business School, UOW.

This year's recipients are Grace Roulston from the Disability Trust, pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management, and Shiva Gopalan from Warrigal, undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.

In her address, Professor Grace McCarthy emphasised the importance of continuous learning in the face of global challenges such as climate change, modern slavery, and ethical Artificial Intelligence use.

"Lifelong learning is key to organisational agility and individual professional growth," Professor McCarthy said.

“It is no longer enough to leave school and do one course. Instead, we need to think about upgrading our knowledge and skills in the same way that we upgrade our phones and our computers. Further study also helps individuals achieve their potential and their professional goals.”

A Graduate Certificate is a stand-alone qualification comprising four subjects on a specific area such as marketing, human resource management, supply chain or business analytics, or a broad business area, like the Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.

Professor McCarthy highlighted UOW’s deep commitment to the Illawarra community as a foundation sponsor of The Illawarra Connection, a partner in the Leadership Illawarra Program, and having given scholarships to TIC members for over 20 years.

“These scholarships underscore the commitment of UOW and The Illawarra Connection to supporting local talent in the pursuit of higher education and professional growth,” she said.

Mr Graham Lancaster, President of The Illawarra Connection, joined Professor McCarthy in presenting the awards to the deserving scholarship recipients.

Scholarship recipients Grace Roulston and Shiva Gopalan thanked UOW and The Illawarra Connection for their scholarships.

Ms Roulston said: “It's an honour to have been named one of the recipients of the prestigious TIC Scholarship in partnership with the Sydney Business School, UOW. I look forward to deepening my understanding of contemporary Human Resource Management so that I can continue to give back to the organisation I am so proud to work for, The Disability Trust. A sincere thank you to my Executive Leadership Team for their ongoing support and empowerment of my career, and to The Illawarra Connection for so graciously granting me this wonderful opportunity.”

Mr Gopalan said: “Thank you to Warrigal for your unwavering support and opportunity to grow my career over the past 13 years, and of course, The Illawarra Connection for providing this amazing opportunity to learn and grow so I can continue to contribute to this amazing community!”

^{Pictured above: Jenni Hutchins and Shiva Gopalen from Warrigal, Grace Roulston and Carol Berry from The Disability Trust and Professor Grace McCarthy from the UOW School of Business.}