Shenae Ciesiolka
2020 USQ Sportsperson of the Year
Shenae was selected for the Australian Rugby Sevens Olympic team in Tokyo, plays for the Brisbane Broncos and is a Queensland Academy of Sport athlete.
USQ Student Award Celebrations premiered live on Wednesday 14 October, and is available via USQEDU on YouTube.
USQ students have a wide range of opportunities to participate in university life. These extra-curricular and co-curricular activities compliment their studies and enrich their learning experiences. The USQ All Rounder Award recognises a student who has demonstrated a high level of academic success, while actively engaging in a range of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. This could include sports, leadership, arts, cultural, clubs and community service.
Clubs and Societies are an important part of student life at USQ. They allow our students to meet new people, develop lifelong friendships, learn new skills and take part in a range of activities that matter to them. The Highest Achieving USQ Club Award goes to the student club who has contributed most to the University and its student life and who has supported their members through creating enrichment opportunities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on everyday life, including the implementation of strict health directives requiring organisations to adapt and modify their operations. The Club Award – Response to COVID-19 is a new award introduced for 2020 only. This award recognises the winning club for their achievements and excellent contributions to the USQ community in their response to COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery of club operations.
Community service allows our students to put their leadership skills into action and make a positive difference to the communities in which they live. The Community Service Award recognises a student who has demonstrated active and enthusiastic participation in community service or volunteering initiatives.
USQ proudly supports, values, and respects the wide variety of cultural identities, languages, and beliefs within the university. The Multicultural Community Service Award recognises a student for their outstanding contributions to cultural awareness and initiatives. This student will have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity.
USQ Student Representatives play an important role in expressing the student voice and influencing university decision-making. The Student Representative of the Year Award recognises a current student representative who has demonstrated leadership in their role, has participated in a number of initiatives where they have represented their fellow students and has been active in ensuring the student voice is heard.
The USQ Unsung Hero Award recognises a current student who has made a substantive contribution to the university community and has not otherwise been formally recognised. Their contribution may be through involvement in a student activity from behind the scenes with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary, and a commitment to excellence.
The USQ Sport Recognition Award recognises students who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their chosen sport. This award is presented to students who have achieved a standard in their sport that is above average for student-athletes. This award can be received by multiple recipients each year.