2016 Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC) dux Alexander Thomis was among 14 exceptional school-leavers who started the first year of their BEL program with a UQ academic scholarship.
Alexander was one of two BEL students to receive the prestigious UQ Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship – awarded to those who achieve at the very top of the OP1 band – to support his studies in the Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours) (BAFE) program.
The former BBC prefect was named dux in his previous five years at the college, and also earned the title of a Collegian – an honour bestowed on students who have achieved excellence in the academic, competitive, cultural, and spiritual life of the college.
He was also actively involved in the BBC’s music and sporting programs, completing his AMEB Grade 7 clarinet exam and playing in the rugby 2nd XI team in Year 12.
Alexander said he was inspired to study at UQ after taking on a semester of the University’s Enhanced Studies Program in 2016.
“The program was a fantastic opportunity and my experience at UQ could not have been more positive,” he said.
“It was through this program that I encountered a flier for the University’s new Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics.
“I have always had a keen interest in maths and enjoyed my exposure to economics at school, so I was enticed by this exciting program.
“In the coming years, I hope to find an area of finance and economics that I particularly enjoy and pursue it as a career.”
The second BEL Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship recipient was Emma Beal, who, like Alexander, opted for the challenging BAFE program.
Alexander and Emma will both receive $12,000 a year for up to five years for their undergraduate study, and any subsequent related postgraduate study they take on.
Eight BEL students were awarded UQ Excellence Scholarships in recognition of their OP1 results and their demonstration of outstanding academic, leadership, or community service achievements during years 11 and 12:
- Alexander Asher: Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Sarah Bishop: Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Nicole Carter: Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Science
- Rachel Miller: Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Honours)
- Max O’Donnell: Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours)
- Chloe Ryan: Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Honours)
- Zoya Sarapa: Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours)
- Dana Stolp: Bachelor of Business Management/Bachelor of Economics
Excellence Scholarship awardees receive $6000 a year for up to four years for their undergraduate study and subsequent related postgraduate study.
Three BEL students received UQ Merit Scholarships for their outstanding academic results (OP 1-3) and demonstration of significant academic, leadership, or community service achievements:
- Matthew Geraghty: Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Hamish Lindsay: Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours)
- James Shoring: Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (Honours)
Andrew Lumsden, a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) student, received a Boeing-sponsored UQ Merit Scholarship.
Merit Scholarship awardees receive $6000 for their first year of study.
More information on UQ academic scholarships is available here.
