Scholarships support grads to achieve their dreams
When they cross the graduation stage in Mackay this week, Shelly and Julieanne will not only be celebrating their academic achievements but the support they received through the BHP/BHP Mitusbishi Alliance (BMA) Scholarship program that helped make their success possible.
Bachelor of Nursing graduate Michelle ‘Shelly’ Erikson and Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) graduate Julieanne Bergmann will join hundreds of fellow graduates when they officially receive their testamurs on Thursday, 8 May – but if it wasn’t for the help of their BHP/BMA Scholarships, neither may have been attending next week’s ceremony.
"As a mature-aged student, I never thought I would have the opportunity to achieve a degree,” Shelly explained.
“Being able to wear my cap and gown and be a role model for my children is extremely special," she said.
A mum of four children with no family support in Mackay, Shelly said she very much relied on both her husband and the CQUniCares BHP/BHA Community Scholarship funding to help get her through her studies.
"The Scholarship was extremely beneficial for myself and my family as it helped financially with the costs involved, mainly of unpaid placements hours,” she explained.
“It also ensured we could put food on the table while I couldn’t work – I am so very grateful for the support.”
Now employed as a Registered Nurse at Mackay Base Hospital, Shelly has secured a postgraduate position in the Child and Adolescent Unit, where she is completing a transition support program in acute paediatric nursing.
Fellow graduate and BHP Future of Work Program Scholarship recipient Julieanne Bergmann will join Shelly at the Mackay graduation ceremony where she will be presented with her Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) degree.
Julieanne said the scholarship aligned perfectly with her goals of remaining in the Mackay region and ultimately contributing to the mental health workforce in regional Queensland.
"The journey to becoming a Registered Psychologist requires significant financial investment, and I am very grateful for BHP’s support,” Julieanne said.
“It has taken me another step closer to achieving my goal."
Julieanne is currently working at Queensland Psychology Group, supporting the clinical team and clients during intake and ongoing administration, and she plans to enrol in a Masters-level program soon.
She said CQU's Honours program stood out because of its strong national reputation, online accessibility, cultural context and the focus on regional research topics.
"I am looking forward to sharing my graduation moment with my family and peers and thanking my employers, the College of Psychology faculty and BHP for their support along the way."
BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) Asset President Adam Lancey said BMA partnered with CQU and provided scholarships to help build healthy, resilient, connected communities.
“The scholarships create opportunities for regional people to contribute to their home communities and address some of the skill shortages in Central Queensland.”
Both graduates are examples of how scholarship support and quality education can transform lives and strengthen regional communities.
