Spotlighting UniSQ’s finest at 2024 Student Awards

Celebrating our best and brightest students is always one of the highlights of the year. Last night’s 2024 University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Student Awards was no exception – full of glitz and glamour to acknowledge those who go above and beyond.

Students were recognised for their outstanding achievements in leadership, community service, student clubs, and sport.

For Ramildo Etisson de Souza Passos, it was a case of being acknowledged for his widespread community contributions and academic success as he received the 2024 UniSQ All Round Excellence Award.

We caught up with him to discuss the honour.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us what you studied?

I’m an international student with a background in forestry and experience in the public sector, particularly in international cooperation projects focused on biodiversity conservation. I recently graduated with a Master of Spatial Science Technology, specialising in Geographic Information Systems.

What does it mean to you to be named UniSQ’s Student All-Rounder?

Being named UniSQ’s Student All-Rounder is a great honour and a demonstration of the commitment I’ve made to both my studies and to engaging actively in a range of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. For me, this award reflects the balance I’ve worked hard to maintain between academic excellence and personal development. It validates the hours spent not just in study but also in participating in university bodies, volunteering activities, attending professional events, and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for my peers. This recognition motivates me to continue building upon these experiences and to use my skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact on myself, my family, and the community.

Can you tell us a bit about your time at UniSQ?

Throughout my time at UniSQ, I’ve achieved personal and academic milestones that I’m very proud of. One of my biggest accomplishments was my profound personal growth. Being part of this university and enrolling in this comprehensive master’s program helped me overcome my limitations. Before deciding to return to university, I was surrounded by doubts and fears – wondering if I was smart enough to succeed, worrying about not being a native English speaker, and feeling uncertain about balancing studies with other life commitments. However, after my first semester, in which I scored High Distinctions in all my subjects, I felt a renewed confidence and ambition to seize every opportunity that came my way. As a result, I graduated with distinction and experienced a range of valuable opportunities within and beyond the University.

This journey taught me to recognise and trust my capabilities, even in challenging circumstances. I embraced leadership roles both within and outside the University and volunteered for nonprofit organisations, which helped me grow as a leader, a collaborator, and a compassionate individual. I also kept an open mind, participating in multiple activities alongside my studies – from professional training and workshops to community events. These experiences strengthened my ability to balance responsibilities and reinforced my willingness to tackle challenges head-on, shaping me into a well-rounded individual ready for future endeavours.

What’s next for you?

After university, I aspire to apply and further develop my skills in GIS and remote sensing to create sustainable and innovative solutions to current and future societal issues. I am particularly interested in using spatial science to address deforestation, climate resilience, and sustainable land use. My goal is to work with organisations that are committed to environmental preservation, and I hope to contribute to projects that have a positive impact on communities and ecosystems. In the long term, I aim to be a leader in the field, helping to shape policies and innovations that support a more sustainable and balanced interaction between human activity and the natural environment.

What advice would you give to students wanting to get the most out of their university experience?

My advice to students is to engage fully with every opportunity the university offers – both academically and socially. First, build a solid study routine that allows you to stay ahead of deadlines. Completing assignments early can free up time for review and deeper learning. Second, don’t hesitate to join student groups that match your interests; these communities are great for building friendships, networking, and gaining skills beyond the classroom. Finally, take advantage of any workshops or training programs available, as they can expand your perspective and improve your confidence in real-world applications. The University is about growth, so embrace every chance to learn, connect, and contribute to the community.

Over 100 guests attended the annual event to celebrate and acknowledge the students’ hard work and dedication to excellence.

• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Award: Dennis Arthur
• The All Round Excellence Award: Ramildo Etisson de Souza Passos
• The Club of the Year Award: Toowoomba Dungeons and Dragons
• The Community Service Award: Lucy Golding
• The Innovation Award: Ashey Maber
• The International Community Engagement Award: Ujwal Jha and A H M Farhad Palash
• The Sportsperson of the Year Award: Sienna Deurloo
• The Student Leader Award: Md Jamil Istiaq
• The Student Voice Award: Md Jamil Istiaq
• The University Values Award: Tiarn Barton-Ilic
• The Graduate Excellent Award: Gemma Keogh, Ashley Maber, Tamyka Mallet, Ramildo Etisson de Souza Passos, Michelle Oldham, Bonnii Heber and Rachel Roberts

Learn more about UniSQ’s Student Awards.