Bowater Trust Medal

The prestigious Bowater Trust Medal has been awarded each year since 1988 to a graduate who has:

• Achieved academic excellence in the Bachelor or Commerce or Bachelor of Management; and
• Demonstrated outstanding performance in a major offered by the School of Management and Marketing.

Each year high-achieving students are invited to apply. Finalists are interviewed and the winner is selected by a panel including a representative of the Bowater Trust.

2010 winner: Lakmini de Silva

The Medal and a cheque for $3000 were presented to Lakmini de Silva by the Chair of the Bowater Trust, Mr Kean Selway, Deakin University Vice-President (Enterprise and Engagement) at an event attended by student prize winners and their families, staff of the School of Management and Marketing, and members of the Bowater Trust. Lakmini delighted guests by performing a traditional Sri Lankan dance.

Lakmini completed the Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Human Resource Management and Management in 2009, and was included in the Dean's Merit List for 2010.

Highlights of Lakmini's course included business internships at Waverley Industries and at the Oaktree Foundation. Lakmini was awarded the Deakin Prime Business Intership Prize in 2009.

Lakmini successfully combined her studies with part-time work. She also enjoyed being part of the University community and participated as a peer support leader and student host, assisting new international and local students during their transition to University.

Lakmini credits the commitment of her teachers from the Faculty of Business and Law as a key factor in her academic success. Although Lakmini's excellent results resulted in a prestigious scholarship to undertake honours at another institution, her association with the School of Management and Markting continues, through the roles of tutor and research assistant.

Lakmini's goal is a career in human resource management in the aviation industry.