Ipswich students show their UQ pride

Business students from The University of Queensland’s Ipswich campus have set up their own business to market UQ-themed products and raise money for charity.

In conjunction with Chew’s Place Consulting (CPC), the student-run Eye Inc. have created transparent “I HEART UQ” pencil cases, with 10 percent of profits to be donated to the Variety Club.

Managing Director Jonny Bell said one of the main objectives of the product was to give UQ students, staff and alumni a unique way of showing their love for the University.

“I think it is an extremely stylish and practical way to show pride in UQ,” he said.

Mr Bell said he had gained enormous experience from the short time he had been running the business.

“There were no shortcuts or limitations. We literally created a real-world business from scratch in just a few weeks,” he said.

Members of Eye Inc have forgone commission on the product, instead choosing to redirect those funds to help the Variety Club support disadvantaged children.

“Every child deserves to have a childhood,” Mr Bell said.

“Variety is aligned with our view, and we are extremely excited to be able to cooperate with them to provide a greater public awareness of the work they do.”

The “I HEART UQ” pencil cases are a continuation of the popular “I HEART UQ” calico bags which were marketed by fellow student startup Strictly Aces in 2008.

The pencil cases will be available online and at the weekly St Lucia markets on September 22 and October 6 for $4.99.

Media: Sarah Wendt (0409 823 001, eye-inc@hotmail.com)