Valedictory ceremony celebrates Residential Colleges graduands

Over 70 graduating residents living on campus were celebrated on Friday night at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Valedictory Ceremony.

Concannon College Valedictorian Bradley Lawrence used his speech to reflect on his journey to UniSQ when he struggled to choose between his passions of agriculture and engineering.

“Lo and behold it turns out I could do both by studying Agricultural Engineering, so I applied to UniSQ the very next day as it is one of the few universities offering this major,” he said.

After growing up in Tasmania, Bradley chose to move on campus to the UniSQ Residential Colleges and fully embraced life in Toowoomba.

“Having moved interstate, living on campus has granted me ease of access to the University facilities and greatly enhanced my social experience,” he said.\

"Residential Colleges is an excellent opportunity to make new friends and lasting memories, as well as being in such close proximity to everything you need as a student.”

Bradley significantly contributed to other students’ experiences by organising the Residential Shield intercollege competition as the 2023 Resident Students Club (RSC) Sports and Health Recreation Officer.

“If you’re uncertain whether Residential Colleges is for you, I recommend just taking the plunge as you have nothing to lose but everything to gain,” he said.

Bradley plans to remain in Toowoomba working for RMA Engineers, where he has already gained valuable experience working as an undergraduate student.

UniSQ Director (Student Accommodation) Peter Munster said the Valedictory Ceremony is always a highlight in the calendar.

“Our team look forward to this event every year as we’ve seen the graduating residents grow throughout their time at university,” he said.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the milestone with family and friends of the graduands”.

Learn more about living on campus at UniSQ’s Residential Colleges.