Highest honour for Res Colleges students

They say home is where the heart is – and for our students who live on campus at the University of Southern Queensland’s (UniSQ) Residential Colleges, this couldn’t ring more true.

Surrounded by their friends, family and support staff, graduating students celebrated the end of their programs in style at the 2024 Valedictory Ceremony in Toowoomba on Friday night (October 11).

For Bradley Lawrence, Mia Glenny and Darshna Sahay, their night was made a whole lot brighter when they were respectively announced as the Valedictorians of Concannon College, Steele Rudd College and McGregor College – an achievement acknowledging their commitment to their academic endeavours and involvement in Residential Colleges life.

We recently caught up with each of them to ask a few questions about their journey to becoming a Valedictorian – check out what they had to say!

Bradley Lawrence: Concannon College

What does it mean to be named this year’s Valedictorian?

Being named the 2024 Concannon College Valedictorian is a validation of the hard work and dedication I have put into my academic journey. I’ve always strived to do my best, and I’ve found that the key to my success has been maintaining balance in my life. My best academic work has always come when I’ve managed to balance study with extracurricular activities. I would also like to say a big thank you to my friends and family who have been by my side while I have completed my studies.

Why did you choose to live at Residential Colleges and where did you move from?

I’m originally from Meander in Tasmania and I moved to Toowoomba to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering (Agricultural Engineering). Choosing to live at Residential Colleges was an easy decision for me. As I’d moved so far from home, where I had no family or connections aside from one friend, living at Residential Colleges just made sense. The proximity to the University and the sense of community helped me establish friendships and adjust to university life.

Can you tell us about Concannon College and why it’s so special?

Concannon College may be the smallest of the Residential Colleges in terms of numbers, but I think it has the strongest sense of community and engagement. When I moved to Toowoomba, I knew only one person and was unfamiliar with the city and the region. Fortunately, being accepted into Concannon helped me quickly form new friendships and connect with the community. Being part of Concannon has made my university experience so much more than just attending lectures and completing assignments. I’ve gained memories and friendships that I’ll carry with me for my entire life.

What has been the highlight of your time at Residential Colleges?

The highlights of my time at Residential Colleges have always revolved around the friendships I’ve made. Whether it was participating in Orientation Week activities, coming up with costumes for semi-formals, or dressing up for formals – these moments have all been truly memorable. Living so close to people you initially don’t know well creates an environment that encourages you to connect and get involved in activities you might have otherwise passed up. One key highlight has been participating in the Residential Shield events, where I even had the chance to try sports I’d never played before.

What do you hope to achieve in your future career?

As my time at the University comes to an end, I aim to use my degree to begin working as a graduate engineer in the Darling Downs region. I’m currently working as an undergraduate at RMA Engineers and my goal is to work on agricultural projects while working towards obtaining my Registered Professional Engineer Queensland (RPEQ) qualification.

Mia Glenny: Steele Rudd College

What does it mean to be this year’s Valedictorian?

It was an honour to be chosen as Steele Rudd College’s Valedictorian for 2024. It wouldn’t have been possible without the village of people who supported me along the way.

What did you choose to live at Residential Colleges and where did you move from?

Growing up in the rural community of Nanango, big city universities never interested me. Toowoomba piqued my interest as it was close to home and I’d toured the campus previously. Living at the Residential Colleges was not something I ever thought of until I had a few friends in the grade above me mention it and how great it was for transitioning into study. Since I’ve moved here, I’ve never looked back.

Can you tell us about Steele Rudd College and why it’s so special?

Steele Rudd College is special to me because it’s been my home for the last three years. It has a great sense of community as all the blocks are in close proximity, so it’s been easy to make new friends and join in on events.

What has been the highlight of your time at Residential Colleges?

There have been many highlights during my time at Residential Colleges, but I’d have to say the annual Intervarsity Cup against UQ Gatton is at the top of my list. This is a great competition with five different sports and we compete for the Intervarsity Cup. We were lucky enough to take home the trophy this year, and it was a highlight of mine to be the captain of the Volleyball Team. It’s a great way for two regional university campuses to bring a bit of friendly competition to our year.

What do you hope to achieve in your future career?

I’m still unsure of which area of nursing I’d like to pursue as there are so many to choose from – but I’m sure I’ll figure it out in time! What I do hope for the future, though, is that healthcare becomes more accessible for the people who need it most.

Darshna Sahay: McGregor College

What does it mean to be named this year’s Valedictorian?

Being named this year’s Valedictorian is an honour that I accept with a sense of deep gratitude and humility. It’s more than just a reflection of academic achievements; it represents the dedication, perseverance, and a journey filled with challenges, growth, and personal transformation. To me, this title is not just a recognition of my individual efforts, but it symbolises the collective support I have received from the people around me, such as my professors, peers, family, and friends. Every late-night study session, every hurdle, and every moment of doubt was made easier knowing I had people that believed in me.

Why did you choose to live at Residential Colleges and where did you move from?

I chose to live at Residential Colleges because I wanted to fully immerse myself in the university experience. Coming from a different country, I knew that living on campus would not only help me build a strong sense of community but also make the transition to a new environment much smoother. I moved to McGregor College from Fiji, where my family is originally from, but now they reside in New Zealand. Living on campus was a chance for me to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and make lifelong connections. The support and friendships I found here truly made it feel like a home away from home, helping me grow both personally and academically. It has been an incredible experience, and I’m grateful for the lasting memories and the strong bonds I’ve made here.

Can you tell us about McGregor College and why it’s so special?

McGregor College has been more than just a place to live during my studies; it has truly become my home. What makes McGregor so special is the sense of belonging it fosters. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed into a diverse and supportive community. Through the campus events, McGregor has given me countless opportunities to form deep connections with people from different countries. The friendships I’ve made here are lifelong, and I’ll always cherish the memories I have made – whether it’s participating in college events or just enjoying time with friends. The peace and sense of belonging I’ve found here is something I’ve been searching for all my life. This is a place where I’ve grown both academically and personally. As an international student, the support, care, and kindness I’ve received during my time here have been extraordinary. Living at McGregor College has shaped not just my academic journey but who I am as a person, and that’s what makes it so unique and special.

What has been the highlight of your time at Residential Colleges?

The highlight of my time at Residential Colleges has undoubtedly been the sense of community and belonging that I’ve experienced. Living at McGregor College has provided me with an environment where I could thrive both academically and personally. The friendships I’ve made here – with people from different backgrounds and cultures – have been invaluable and have shaped my university journey in the most meaningful ways. One standout memory was the college formals and semi-formals, where the entire college came together with pride and energy to represent McGregor. Another significant highlight has been the late-night chats, spontaneous group study sessions, and the sense of support that never seemed to fade. Whether we were celebrating academic successes or just hanging out, these small, everyday moments created a sense of family that made my time at McGregor so special. All of these experiences – the friendships, the sense of community, and the fun events have left a permanent mark on me, and they’ll always stand out as some of the best memories of my time at university.

What do you hope to achieve in your future career?

I hope to make a meaningful impact by combining my passion for accounting, business and education. My long-term goal is to pursue a PhD and transition into academia, where I can contribute to the next generation of students by fostering a love for learning, critical thinking and practical knowledge. Through teaching, I hope to inspire and mentor students – helping them to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their own careers. Ultimately, I hope to build a career where I can inspire others, contribute to knowledge creation and make a positive impact on both the academic and business worlds.

Learn more about UniSQ’s Residential Colleges.