Perfect GPA student secures school medal

CQUniversity Bachelor of Digital Media graduate Thomas Rynne is set to receive one of the University’s highest honours at tomorrow’s Rockhampton graduation ceremony, being named the 2024 School of Education and the Arts Medal recipient.

Awarded annually to the graduating student with the highest academic achievement in a bachelor’s degree, the School Medal recognises exceptional dedication and excellence. Thomas completed his Bachelor of Digital Media with Distinction, finishing with a perfect GPA of 7.

Thomas said he was proud, grateful and a little stunned to be receiving the medal. 

“It felt like a full stop on years of consistent effort and late nights, then an exclamation mark saying ‘keep going’,” he said. 

“Thinking about the projects during my course that pushed me past my comfort zone and the people who backed me, it’s clear the hard work was worth it. This award feels like encouragement as much as recognition.

 “The medal is a reminder to myself to hold a high standard, share what I have learned, and keep growing as a designer.”

 Thomas shared a special thank you to digital media lecturers Michelle Roberts, Jim Picton and Qing Huang. 

“I want to acknowledge the quality of the lecturers in the Digital Media course. I learned from active practitioners who are also generous mentors. 

“Their guidance, clear critique and high standards shaped how I approach problem-solving and design today. I wouldn’t have received this award without their guidance and support.

“I am also grateful to my classmates for sharpening the work through collaboration and feedback. 

“Most of all, thank you to my family for their steady support throughout my studies and beyond.”

Now employed as an Associate Learning Designer within CQU’s Learning and Teaching Futures Directorate, Thomas said the real-world opportunities during his studies helped to launch his career.

“The chance to collaborate on industry projects while studying gave him a head start after graduation,” Thomas said

“The projects I worked on during my degree weren’t just assignments, they were connected to industry and had real outcomes. 

“It was exciting to see my work out in the world and those experiences definitely prepared me as I stepped into a professional role.”

During his studies, Thomas worked with CQU researchers to create scientific illustrations and infographics and co-authored the Getting to Know Your Dog online games for Cairns Regional Council as part of a pro bono project assessment.

This design work was presented at CQU's 2023 Digital Media Student Project Showcase, attracting further attention with a poster promoting digital media selected to be printed across CQU campuses and adapted into a t-shirt.

Thomas said working with Cairns Regional Council not only strengthened his technical skills, but also taught him the importance of communication, collaboration and meeting client expectations.

“Working with real clients and partners made the learning experience more authentic. It wasn’t just about the grade but about delivering something that had value outside the classroom.”

Thomas’ work has also been featured nationwide at Wacom Dream State competition in 2021 for digital illustration. He has received multiple awards including the Paul Andersen FAPEx Second Year Prize and CQU’s 2024 School Medal from the School of Education and the Arts.

Since graduating in 2024, Thomas has continued to apply his creativity and problem-solving skills, supporting the development of CQU’s microcredentials and innovative digital learning solutions.

“CQU has supported me every step of the way, first as a student and now as a staff member,” Thomas said. 

“I’m proud to contribute back to the same learning community that helped me grow.”

The Bachelor of Digital Media is available online and at CQU campuses in Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Cairns, Mackay and Brisbane.