Bright future for solar scholarship winners

Two first-year University of Queensland students are the inaugural recipients of the Warwick Solar Farm – Bright Futures Scholarship, an annual investment in the Southern Downs community.

Benjamin Guy from Warwick and Benjamin Rogers from Applethorpe have been awarded $5000 scholarships, which support commencing first year students from the region in their studies at UQ.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry congratulated Mr Guy and Mr Rogers on being named the inaugural scholars.

“UQ is not only committed to being a global leader in sustainability but also supporting Queensland communities, especially in major regional centres, like the Darling Downs,” Professor Terry said.

“Some new students, like these young men, leave their family and community behind and face challenges that are unique to those of their city classmates.”

After graduating from Assumption College in Warwick last year, Mr Guy chose to study a Bachelor of Computer Science and plans to major in machine learning.

“My interest in majoring in this field comes from the impressive continual advancements in technology such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality,” he said.

“To be on the forefront of developing such technology would certainly be a goal I am striving for.

“Moving from Warwick, which is such a small town, to Brisbane has been an exciting experience and I am loving my time studying at UQ and enjoying the challenges and opportunities.”

“I want to work in the renewable energy or recycling industries as a professional, as these industries show great promise for growth and potential for employment opportunities,” he said.

The Stanthorpe State High School graduate also moved into St Leo’s College on the St Lucia campus.

“I am proud and honoured to be named a Bright Futures Scholar and I hope I’m able to develop into a strong member of the engineering industry in the exciting future that lies ahead,” Mr Rogers said. 

“This scholarship will help my transition into university studies at UQ by supporting me in accessing accommodation and study resources – along with providing me with the best possible opportunity to become a successful engineer.

“Moving from a small regional town to live and study in the city has been challenging for myself and my family and the scholarship allows me to experience more of what UQ has to offer.”

The Warwick Solar Farm is also working with the Southern Downs community on renewable energy projects, student placements and field trips - using the facility as a technology-teaching tool.

The scholarship is maintained by an annual gift from the Properties and Facilities Division – Energy and Sustainability, at The University of Queensland.

Applications will open shortly for the 2022 scholarship.

Image above left: Warwick Solar Farm, Terry Moore

Media: UQ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au, 0429 056 139; Shelley Lloyd, s.lloyd@uq.edu.au, 0401 712 693