May 8, 2023

Message to students - 8 May, 2023

Dear Students, I hope this message finds you well and that you are settling into life at UOW.

Firstly, I am excited to welcome our Trimester 2 students who will have their orientation at our Sydney CBD campus, Wollongong campus and online this week, from 8 to 10 May. We are thrilled to have you join us and look forward to supporting you on your academic journey.

Support services

I also want to take this opportunity to remind you that the Trimester 1 exam results will be released on Wednesday 10 May. I hope your hard work has paid off and you are happy with the outcome. 

However, if you find that your results aren’t what you had hoped for, please be kind to yourself and know that academic performance often ebbs and flows. If you’re feeling particularly stressed, remember that UOW has plenty of free support services available, both online and in person. You can check out our .

Our UOW global family’s successes

This weekend marks an exciting milestone for our University as I travel to Dubai to participate in the unveiling of the new research and collaboration hub, the Dubai Data Science, Discovery and Innovation Centre. This state-of-the-art facility is housed in the stunning cloud-shaped Australian Expo Pavilion, which was gifted to UOW by the Australian Government. The Centre will provide a space for innovation, quality research and global collaboration, and I am thrilled that UOW is taking part in this global initiative to harness the power of data to drive progress and make a positive impact on the world. Our has also recently been in Dubai, visiting our UOW campus alongside DVC Research and Sustainable Futures, Professor David Currow, to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students. I am incredibly proud of our Dubai campus for becoming a focal point for collaboration, innovation and positioning for the global UOW brand. 

Fun times with Pulse: Moonlit Markets and more

Now, let’s get to the fun stuff – events! Wollongong campus students, we have a fantastic event that you won’t want to miss. On Wednesday 10 May, from 5 pm, Pulse is bringing you the Moonlit Markets. Located outside the Unibar around the Jugglers Lawn, there’ll be some delicious food options and live music lined up for everyone to enjoy after a day of studying. We can’t wait to see you all there. 

Check Pulse's What's On page for more events and workshops, such as this very promising Rest Workshop they have running on Tuesday 9 May at 12.30 pm. 

UOW graduates to share their science career adventures

For all UOW science wizards, I’d like to let you know that tomorrow, Tuesday 9 May), the Intelligent Polymer Research Institute (IPRI) will host the annual Leon Kane-Maguire Address. This event commemorates and celebrates Professor Kane-Maguire’s contribution to research, her wicked sense of humour, her communication of science and a large legacy of mentoring the next generation of scientists. Two up-and-coming researchers, Dr Jen Halldorsson and Dr Willo Boniface, who both completed their PhDs at UOW, will each deliver a presentation highlighting their evolutions from science students to leaders in their respective fields. Jen will talk about chemistry, sustainability and her love for Iceland, the land of fire and ice. Willo will discuss the versatile scientific method and how experimentation has led to her most meaningful work to date, creating a business with a big heart.

Professor Kane-Maguire was one of Australia’s leading scientists in Materials Science. During the event, two current students will receive the annual Leon Kane-Maguire Student Award, given to the highest-achieving UOW School of Chemistry Honours degree student. 

When: Tuesday 9 May 2023 5 pm – 7 pm

Where: Innovation Campus, AIIM Building

How: You can register online for this fun and inspiring event

The 2023 Chancellor Robert Hope Memorial Prize announced

It is with great pride that I share with you the , a recent UOW graduate who has just been awarded the Chancellor Robert Hope Memorial Prize, UOW’s most prestigious honour for students, in recognition of his outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities and service to the community.

Jacob’s journey is a testament to the power of education in shaping individuals who are not only competent in their field but also driven by a sense of purpose and social responsibility. As a bilingual student who grew up in a household that cherished cultural diversity, Jacob developed a passion for language and communication (he is fluent in English, Norwegian and Japanese), which he pursued with remarkable dedication and enthusiasm.

Last month, Jacob graduated with a double degree in Bachelor of Laws (Class I Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (Distinction), majoring in Japanese, with an impressive Weighted Average Mark of 83.95. 

Beyond his academic achievements, Jacob has been an active volunteer and advocate for various causes, such as animal welfare, student mentorship and gender equity. As Vice President for Education and later for Student Experiences in UOW’s Law Students’ Society, he worked tirelessly on projects that enhanced the wellbeing and inclusivity of his peers. He was also one of the founders of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Gender Alliance, which aims to promote gender diversity and equity in the region.

Jacob’s story is a reminder that education is not just about acquiring knowledge and skills but also about exploring one’s passions, making a positive impact and building meaningful connections with others. As you embark on your own academic journey at UOW, I encourage you to follow in Jacob’s footsteps and embrace the opportunities to learn, grow and contribute to the world.

Wishing you a great week ahead!

Warm Regards,

Trish