Past students assist aspiring vet

The University of Queensland Gatton Past Students Association Scholarship has been awarded to aspiring veterinarian Jahk Hughes.

The scholarship provides Mr Hughes with $5,000 per year to assist with his studies during his five-year program at UQ.

Mr Hughes love of animals motivated him to study to become a veterinarian.

“I have had my Dalmatian since I was six and I also have a central bearded dragon, plus I have owned many birds and guinea pigs over the years,” Mr Hughes said.

“Upon graduating school I wanted to pick a career that would help the animals that gave me so much enjoyment as a child,” he said.

With the long term objective of travelling to the United Kingdom and working in a large animal practice, Mr Hughes said the scholarship would make studying veterinary science easier as well as reduce the financial burden.

“Having this scholarship will take the financial stress off and also allow me to work less and focus on my studies for the remainder of my degree," he said.

“Thank you to the UQ Gatton Past Students Association for this amazing award. It will go towards purchasing my vet supplies and paying for my accommodation during my degree."

Over the last six years, the UQ Gatton Past Students Association has spent $65,000 supporting six students through their university studies.

UQ Gatton Past Students Association, President Graham McClymont said the association was always happy to see this award helping out so many worthwhile recipients.

“We remember our time studying at UQ Gatton and we are all very thankful for the opportunities it opened up for us,” Mr McClymont said.

“This is our way of making it easier for some students to be able to achieve their dreams of working in the Agricultural and Veterinary Science industries,” he said.

“We are overjoyed that this scholarship has helped six students so far with their studies and we're looking forward to helping as many as we can with the money we have raised."

For more information on the scholarship visit http://www.uq.edu.au/gatton/?page=148337

Media: Erin Pearl, UQ Gatton, 07 5460 1229, e.pearl@uq.edu.au