School of Arts and Sciences celebrates excellence

The University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney’s School of Arts and Sciences recently celebrated the broad range of skills and talents of its students at their annual awards ceremony this week. Students were awarded prizes or commendations for their achievements in 2008 in the areas of Behavioural Science, Communications, English, Film, History, Politics, Sociology and Theatre Studies. Prizes were donated by Caritas, the COOP Bookshop, Currency Press, Fairfax Community Newspapers and a number of major film publications and partners. An Individual Achievement Award was presented to Vice-Chancellor’s medallist and Behavioural Science (Honours) student Janaya Cox. A Merit Scholarship was also awarded to first year Behavioural Science student Rebecca Cefai. The event featured dynamic performances by senior level theatre and creative writing students as well as screenings of the winning films made by first year and intermediate students. The Executive Dean of the National College of Arts and Sciences, Professor Gerry Turcotte, commented, “It was an outstanding evening showcasing the best and brightest among our students. More than 200 people — families, friends, students and staff — gathered to celebrate the high quality, both academic and professional, of our students. An added attraction for the evening was the presence of the Sydney School’s recently formed Arts and Sciences Advisory Board, including the Hon. Greg Donnelly, the Hon. Pru Goward, Mr Jack de Groot, Ms Katrina Lee and Mrs Elsie Heiss. The Provost and DVC, Professor Hayden Ramsay, in welcoming the guests on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, noted that “The arts underpin the very foundations of universities, and they play an important part in creating ethical, creative and caring citizens. We are most proud of the achievements of our staff and students.” Media contact: Moira Saunders 02 8204 440