Tourism industry joins students to celebrate achievements

Jason Tozer

1 December 2006: The fourth annual Tourism Program Awards were held last Friday evening with tourism students gaining recognition for their academic success and contributions to industry.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation Andrew Barr and Shadow Minister Brendan Smith attended the night along with University Chancellor Ingrid Moses, current Vice-Chancellor Roger Dean and future Vice-Chancellor Stephen Parker.

From left: recipient of the inaugural Clea Rose Travel Award is congratulated by Ms Rose's parents Frances Rose and Ross Dunn Photo: Kimberly Douglas

Eighteen awards, all donated by different industry sponsors, 12 commendations and six postgraduate scholarships were presented.

Head of the tourism program Brent Ritchie said the night was as much about students' involvement with the industry as it was about academic results.

"Students provide the industry with thousands of hours in internships and projects and it's really pleasing that we had the best ever industry support for these awards with over $6,000 in prizes and awards donated," Dr Ritchie said

"I think that says a lot about how the industry views our program, our students and their achievements."

The night was emotional for staff and students as two awards were presented in memory of tourism student Clea Rose, who was tragically killed after being hit by a car last year.

The inaugural Clea Rose Award and Clea Rose Travel Award were presented to Paula Jaensch and Felicity Brown respectively.

Club Tourism president Amanda Hatton received the major award of $1,500 for Outstanding Contribution to the Tourism Industry and Education.

"I have to thank the staff of the tourism program who support us throughout our degree, they really do enhance the program here," Ms Hatton said.

Ms Hatton said the night was about more than just giving students recognition for their hard work.

"The night is a great opportunity for the industry and students to get together and meet each other," she said.

"It's also a chance to catch up with graduates that we started our degree with and see how far they've come."

The night was sponsored by Canberra Southern Cross Club, Ginninderry Homestead, Kamberra Wines and Questacon, all who provided lucky door prizes on the night.

Winners List

Academic Excellence by a First Year Tourism Program Student:
Nikita Hellmuth
Commendation:
Laura Jones

Academic Excellence by a Second Year Tourism Program Student:
Hannah Schuck
Commendation:
Leanne Swinbourne

Academic Excellence by a Third Year Tourism Program Student:
Kelsey Boreham
Commendation:
Angela Ellerman

Postgraduate Scholarships:
Kate Armstrong (PhD)
Jae Kim (PhD)
Carol Hsu (PhD)
Jie Wang (MA)
Ruth Weichard (MA)
Dina Andari (MA)
Naomi Dale (Hons)

Academic Excellence by a Postgraduate Student:
Helen Ayres

Clea Rose Award:
Paula Jaensch

Clea Rose Travel Award:
Felicity Brown

Most Improved Graduating Tourism Management Student:
Lauren Walker

Most Improved Graduating Hotel Management Student:
Pui Ting (Josephine) Chan

Overall Academic Excellence by a Graduating Tourism Management Student:
Janet Purcell
Commendation:
Lauren Walker

Overall Academic Excellence by a Graduating Hotel Management Student:
Karen Donnellan
Commendation:
Jemma Rosetto

Outstanding Achievement in Service Industry Management:
Karen Donnellan
Commendation:
Holly Bradley

Outstanding Achievement in Tourism Services Marketing:
Eliza Borucinski
Commendation:
Yesica Ares

Outstanding Achievement in Tourism Planning and Development:
Yesica Ares
Commendation:
Margaret Russell

Outstanding Achievement in The Service Industry Project Scheme:
Heidi Andrews
Commendation:
Vanessa Febo

Outstanding Achievement in Event Management:
Katherine Fleming
Commendation:
Sarah Bennett

Club Tourism Award:
Jennifer Hilton

Professional Development Award:
Susan Lankuts
Commendation:
Briohny Frost

Outstanding Contribution to the Tourism Industry and Education:
Amanda Hatton
Commendation:
Karen Donnellan