Celebrating our scholarship superstars

Scholarships and prizes transform lives, assisting some of our most talented, determined and hard-working students to achieve academic excellence by providing the financial support they need to put their studies first.

In September, we hosted our annual UQ BEL Faculty scholarships luncheon to bring together our rising stars of business, economics and law with the generous donors who make their studies possible.

Students are the driving force behind everything UQ does, and we want to continue to attract the best people, regardless of their background and ability to pay for education. 

Students such as Cassie Dai, our 2016 recipient of the BJ Freeman Scholarship (see Cassie's story below), remind us that scholarships can be a vital lifeline for our future leaders.

"I know first-hand that receiving a scholarship inspires you to do your very best and fuels the drive to succeed. I have dreams and passions, but the gift of a scholarship means that there are other people who believe in me too." - Cassie Dai

On behalf of all of our scholarship recipients, we say thank you to our generous donors for providing our students with opportunities to pursue education and succeed.

Together, we can empower and support students to reach their potential. Not if, when.

View our 2017 Scholarships Luncheon photo gallery below.

Student story: Cassie Dai, 2016 Recipient of the BJ Freeman Scholarship

My name is Cassie Dai. I am currently studying a dual program of degrees in Engineering and Commerce – and I’m the proud recipient of the 2016 BJ Freeman Scholarship in support of my Bachelor of Commerce studies at UQ Business School.

I will be the first person in my family to graduate with a university degree.

I want to share my personal experience with you and just how my scholarship has helped me.

Growing up in one of China’s most populated cities, Chongqing, I lived with my mother and three sisters in our very small apartment. From a young age I understood how to work hard and be independent.

We moved to Australia when I was eleven years old and I started working as soon as I reached the legal age to work in Australia, to help out at home. At one point I had three jobs simultaneously.

For me, it has been a constant personal battle between taking on more part-time work and investing in my future. I will be the first person in my family to graduate with a university degree.

My scholarship gives me freedom, support and even the ability to have dinner with my family once in a while. I’ve been able to dedicate time to develop my professional skills through volunteering for student societies and not-for-profit organisations.

This has exposed me to mentors who have helped develop my leadership skills, career pathways and encouraged me to think strategically.

I know first-hand that receiving a scholarship inspires you to do your very best and fuels the drive to succeed. I have dreams and passions, but the gift of a scholarship means that there are other people who believe in me too.

Your generosity plays a vital role that ensures that UQ Business School students can take advantage of the opportunities that they have strived so hard to deserve. 

Please donate today and select ‘School of Business Scholarship Fund’ as your desired gift destination. 

I know that your investment will redefine someone’s future. Thank you.

Yours sincerely
Cassie Dai, 2016 Recipient of the BJ Freeman Scholarship

Originally published on UQ's Alumni & Community website.