Celebrating your UniSC memories
Thanks to everyone who shared their stories, photos and moments to help celebrate 30 years of UniSC.
From first days on campus to unforgettable experiences, these memories capture what UniSC has meant to our community. Have a scroll through and revisit the moments that brought us all together.
Xinzhe Gao
Bachelor of Business ‘13
Master of Professional Accounting ’15
I joined UniSC in 2011 through a 2+2 pathway from a partner institution from China, completing my Bachelor of Business before continuing my journey with a Master of Professional Accounting.
While studying, I worked as a casual staff member in the International Office, and after graduating I was fortunate to continue my career in the International Recruitment team until the end of 2023. UniSC has shaped both my academic and professional journey.
The Sunshine Coast and UniSC represent some of the most meaningful years of my life – it is where I grew, built my career, and created lifelong memories.
My favourite memories at UniSC are the support and kindness I experienced when I first arrived as an international student. As English was not my first language, adapting to academic study was very challenging. I still remember struggling with one of my courses because I didn’t understand how to use academic referencing, and my exam result was not ideal.
One of my lecturers from the Tourism elective course was incredibly kind and supportive. She comforted me and encouraged me by saying that one result does not define my ability. She patiently guided me on academic writing and provided extra support to help me improve. That experience made me feel truly cared for and welcomed.
I also shared this journey with a group of students from China. Although language was a challenge for all of us, UniSC lecturers were always patient, friendly, and supportive in every aspect of our learning. Many of my classmates have since built successful careers in Australia and China, and whenever we meet, we still talk about UniSC as a very special and meaningful part of our lives.
Simply, it was the best year of my life. I got to know awesome people and broadened my horizons in the best possible way.
Tamim Nashed
Master of Business Administration ’10
Dr Norma Gray
PhD ’13
Completed PhD in Education in 2013. Now, at the age of 90, I'm in the process of writing a book detailing how a woman starting her career in 1953 and 1998 dealing with the fierce challenges as a woman I had to face at that time within the Victorian Education system.
In 2004, I relocated to Maroochydore, Queensland, and was invited to work as a sessional lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast.
That invitation quietly reopened a dream I had carried for decades.
When UniSC offered me the opportunity to enrol in a Doctor of Philosophy program, it felt less like beginning something new and more like completing a lifelong learning project.
At seventy-eight, I achieved what once seemed unimaginable.
The University of the Sunshine Coast holds a profoundly special place in my heart – not simply for the degree it conferred, but for what it represented.
UniSC affirmed that learning has no expiry date, that passion transcends age, and that intellectual ambition is not diminished by time.
Bianca Millroy
Bachelor of Creative Writing ’17
Master of Professional Practice (Creative Writing) ’18
I studied at UniSC from 2014 to 2018, completing a Bachelor of Creative Writing and Master of Professional Practice (Creative Writing). I also volunteered and worked as a professional staff member during this time.
As someone who grew up regionally in Far North Queensland, leaving my hometown and being the first person in my family to go to university was both exciting and VERY daunting!
However, my experience at UniSC was incredibly warm, welcoming, friendly and memorable, especially being greeted by my student mentor on my first day (who became my housemate!).
UniSC felt like a home away from home. I absolutely loved all my creative writing courses, the personable and intellectual conversations with my lecturers and tutors, many of whom I continue to stay in touch with!
I also thoroughly enjoyed volunteering and then working at the UniSC Art Gallery with Dawn, Lou and Megan, and daily walks with lake views, ducklings and kangaroos for Cup of E coffees with my colleagues in Student Comms and Events! (Shout-out to my work baes, Marie and Christine!)
I relished the opportunity to contribute as a Student Ambassador for several years, and a special highlight was getting a media pass to Woodford Folk Festival to interview the eminent science guru, Dr Karl!
I now live in Brisbane where I'm in my final year of my PhD (Creative Nonfiction) at UQ.
I am currently working on my debut creative nonfiction publication and have written for and edited several published novels and anthologies.
Frank Mueller
Master of Business Administration ’10
My time at UniSC was more than just academic; it was a period of incredible personal growth and great friendships.
The practical approach to learning and the supportive faculty made my studies both challenging and rewarding.
I completed my Master of Business Administration specializing in Marketing and Entrepreneurship.
I particularly remember the "Master's Club", where we spent the time writing our assignments.
My favourite memory has to be Orientation. Starting my university journey with a BBQ at the beach was the perfect introduction to the lifestyle.
Between the "get-to-know-each-other" activities and the chance to go surfing with fellow students, it was such an energetic and welcoming atmosphere.
I truly enjoyed every moment of that time!
Since graduating, I have moved into the toy industry with positions in General Management and Corporate Strategy.
Hleziphi Nonhlanhla Athonia Hadebe
Bachelor of Communication (Marketing) ’17
My favourite memory at the University of the Sunshine Coast was my graduation day, made even more special because my mother travelled all the way from South Africa on her very first international trip to be there.
Having both my mother and my godmother – who lives in Buderim – present on such an important day was incredibly meaningful to me.
I felt so proud showing my mother around campus and introducing her to my lecturers and friends.
It was a deeply emotional moment, especially knowing that my mother never had the opportunity to attend school herself.
During apartheid, she was denied access to education and the means to pursue it.
She worked as a nanny for my godmother, who later made a promise to my parents that she would support my education – a promise that helped shape my future.
Graduating from UniSC felt like more than a personal achievement; it felt like a shared victory across generations.
I loved my time at this university – the culture, the people, and the environment made it a truly special place.
To this day, I still have friends for life because of my time at UniSC, and I hope that one day my own children will have the opportunity to study here too.
Judi Warmerdam
Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Science ’10
Master of Education ’18
In 2017-2019, with support from Dr Ian Darby and lab staff, I hosted "Keeping it Local" – a two-day event designed to showcase UniSC to high school students.
Pics below of visiting the CAVE and the 'dark lab' luminol oxidation which was the culminating event. We turned the lab lights off and taped the windows... It was so much fun!).
Dr June Redman
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Science (Public Health) ‘01
Bachelor of Science (Honours) ’02)
PhD ’15
I was part of the first student intake in 1996 – “Always First!”
I'd been a nurse for 24 years but decided I wanted a change. Commuting to Brisbane while working and with three children was a problem, which the opening of the new university in Sippy Downs solved.
In 1996 I started a Bachelor of Business but when the Bachelor of Science (Public Health) started in 1997, my ongoing interest in health resulted in me undertaking a combined Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Science (Public Health) degree.
On completion I enrolled in a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and graduated with first-class Honours in 2002. I then completed a PhD.
I combined study with work, teaching at the University in a range of roles across the growing campus, and in 2000 I became the executive officer of the Australian Health Promotion Association, which was located on the University's campus.
My work with the Association provided a basis for my Honours thesis.
My study success can be attributed to the wonderful support I received at each stage.
The University has changed so much over 30 years! I am still teaching and love helping students of all ages to engage in learning and hopefully achieve, or discover, their dreams – as I did.
Neil Grimshaw
Bachelor of Environmental Management ’24
I have found the challenge of coming back to UniSC to follow my interest in environmental studies both inspirational and beneficial.
The campus and staff have provided a therapeutic gateway for me to access new knowledge and understanding about the connection and impact we have on the natural world.
Each course I have undertaken has built my interest and focus on the research project I now am involved in, and with the generous support I am getting from my two honours’ supervisors, I am surprisingly now learning about aspects of scientific enquiry and presentation.
Steve Fairless
Master of Business Administration ‘02
My journey with UniSC commenced in 1998 when I started my study in the MBA postgraduate program.
I was 46 years old and working in the fourth of my electricity utilities – my first in Queensland.
Already qualified in the electrical engineering field and working at management level, I thought the MBA would give me a better understanding of the overall operation of large businesses.
Being the first group of MBA applicants, we were used as a sounding board for the program.
I have fond memories of group assignments exploring business solutions. My group consisted of myself in Queensland, another student in Victoria and the third student in Denmark.
This was done by email and coordinated group chats. No FaceTime, Zoom or Teams at this time.
I retired from Energex in 2019 as asset manager and do a little advice consulting in the renewable energy sector.
I have stayed very connected with UniSC via participation in research of seniors and exercise, and Healthy Brain Aging 1 and 2.
My most recent UniSC connection is via a collaboration team consisting of academics and industry.