News

ACU celebrates student veterans' achievements

A Year 10 school leaver and a nurse with big dreams were among the veterans recognised at the Australian Catholic University’s Student Veteran Impact Awards, celebrating those at various stages of their transition from military service

As a leader in supporting post-service flourishing for current and ex-Australian Defence Force personnel, ACU lauded the contributions made by its student veterans at the gala event in Brisbane.

Just days before his graduation ceremony, Master of Business Administration student John Hardgrave received the Student Veteran Impact Award (Graduating) in recognition for outstanding service to the university and wider community.

“I wish I’d started studying sooner,” said Mr Hardgrave, a former officer in the Australian Regular Army.

Mr Hardgrave resigned from the infantry in 2014 and is part of RSL Queensland’s senior management team, while still serving in the Army Reserve.

While juggling postgraduate study and fulltime work, he also volunteers for various organisations including Gaythorne RSL on Brisbane’s north side, ACU’s Student Veteran Support Program and Bribie Island Surf Lifesaving Club.

Before commencing his MBA, Mr Hardgrave had accumulated corporate experience but was initially hesitant about formal study- a common concern for transitioning veterans.

“I left school after Year 10 and was intimidated by what I didn’t know,” he reflected.

“There was some self-doubt. It was difficult, and I cringe at that first assessment. But I got a credit, became more confident and it was all sixes and sevens after that.”

Sigrid Bahr from ACU’s Melbourne campus was presented with the Sir Peter Cosgrove Impact Award.

Originally from Albury-Wodonga, she followed her mother Julie into nursing- a satisfying career that can open doors to the world.

She served ACU on the executive committee of the Melbourne Nursing Society, helped reinvigorate the Melbourne Student Veteran Society and volunteered within the Victorian correctional system, all before her anticipated course completion next year.

Ms Bahr’s pathway was supported by the ADF’s Civil Schooling Scheme, a program that provides financial assistance for serving members while undertaking approved tertiary courses.

“It’s great to be financially supported while I study. It takes away a lot of stress so I can focus on study and get involved at uni,” she said.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Zlatko Skrbis praised the award recipients for their military service and their efforts to make a difference.  

Returning to study can be challenging for ex-soldiers, who often grapple with loss of identity and purpose after transitioning to civilian life.

“Further study provides them not only with employment prospects, but also with a solid support network, meaningful connections, and a sense of belonging,” Professor Skrbis noted.

“It’s heartening to see so many veterans and family members flourish – growing in confidence, excelling in their studies, and making an impact in their second chosen career as students and graduates.”

Through its Veteran Entry Program that enables current and former members of the ADF to be granted a selection rank for entry to university based on their military training achievements, ACU has pioneered a path for veterans to change their lives via higher education.

In recent years, ACU has attracted approximately $2 million in research and education funding, including a million-dollar Veteran Wellbeing Grant from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, enabling the university to further strengthen its services and support for student veterans and their families.

Earlier this year, the university launched Five2Study, an innovative web application developed with RSL Queensland that provides interactive resources aimed at leveraging the strengths veterans bring to foster their wellbeing and success.

Student Veteran Impact Awards recipients  

Sir Peter Cosgrove Impact Award  

Sigrid Bahr (Bachelor of Nursing)  

Continuing   

Lincoln Trainor (Bachelor of Paramedicine)

Student Veteran Impact Award – Family

Brendan Carrick (Bachelor of Arts (Honours) – Western Civilisation)

Graduating

John Hardgrave (Master of Business Administration)

Media Contact: Damien Stannard, 0484 387349, damien.stannard@acu.edu.au