Education Alumni Chapter acknowledges outstanding students

Oct 23, 2006

The Education Chapter of the University of Wollongong's Alumni Network is one of the most active on Campus. The Chapter, which supports current students in the Faculty of Education, includes recent UOW graduates as well as staff and students from the pioneering years of teacher training in Wollongong.

Education Chapter Convenor Dr Lenore Armour said the Chapter with its interest groups and its sub-chapters was unique among Wollongong University Alumni organisations.

"Our patron Hazel Holmwood was the first Dean of Students - a legend for more than two decades from 1961. She was there when the Teachers College evolved into the Institute of Education and when it became part of the University in 1982, and is still an active supporter of today's education students.

"We have many interest groups, like the Early Childhood Educators and the PE/Health Educators, as well as the sub-chapters including one in Sydney and one in Canada," Dr Armour said.

All these groups come under the umbrella of the Education Chapter, and each provided funds for an award of excellence to current students at the recent Faculty of Education Awards Ceremony.

"The Sydney sub-chapter is probably the longest running group in the university. It started in 1969 and still meets four times a year, with Bernie York as the driving force. Of special significance is the group established and coordinated by Dawn and Cliff Emerson from the foundation students of the former Teachers College. Cliff was a student in 1960-61, while Dawn worked in the College library in those early years.

"It is particularly significant to see former staff members like Dawn actively supporting the Alumni," Dr Armour said.

At the recent Faculty awards ceremony, the Emersons were joined by others from their era, including the first SRC President Dick Hart, to give the inaugural award from the Wollongong Teachers College Foundation group.

The Chapter's prize winners presented at the Faculty of Education's Awards Night were:

· Physical and Health Education Award, sponsored by Rebel Sport - Justine Thomson, for the highest final mark in Curriculum Perspectives and Issues in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education.

· Sydney Sub-chapter Award for Educational Leadership: Suzanne Lipu for outstanding achievement in Master of Educational Leadership subjects.

· Education Alumni Chapter Award for Outstanding BEd Hons Research - Karley McKeowen

· Early Childhood Education Practicum Award - Nicole Badcock for outstanding pedagogy in the final practicum.

· Canadian Sub-chapter Award to a Canadian student - Jennifer Westlake for an outstanding practicum when she was in Wollongong undertaking the UOW Graduate Diploma in Education course.

· Foundation Group of Wollongong Teachers College Internship Award - Amy McDonald for outstanding teaching by a Primary Bachelor of Education student.