Victoria University received two state awards recognising excellence in international education at the inaugural Victorian International Education Awards held last week at Government House.
VU’s unique International Student Mentoring Program, which matches international students with senior industry professionals, won best student employability and careers program, while Chinese research student Catherine Xiaocui Lou was named the state’s top postgraduate international student of 2013.
Catherine, who came to VU from Beijing in 2010 to embark on her PhD, was recognised for her outstanding academic achievements, as well as her contributions to VU and the broader Victorian community.
While conducting globally significant research into supply chain management and corporate governance using mathematical modelling, Catherine has been an inspirational leader to other international students. She serves as president of the VU Postgraduate Association and provides a voice for VU students with the Council of International Students (CISA), Australia’s peak body representing international students. She has received numerous scholarships and awards, including the University’s Jane Shou Memorial Scholarship for her work in information systems.
VU Careers’ Coordinator Peter Folino and John Hopkins from the College of Business developed Victoria University’s award-winning Student Mentoring Program to open networks and opportunities for students with mentors at VU industry partners such as IBM and the National Australia Bank.
The prestigious awards are a Victorian Government initiative designed to acknowledge the best practice of Victorian providers and the exceptional accomplishments of the estimated 150,000 international students in the state.
