High-performing students from the School of Business and Governance have been honoured at a special awards ceremony.

Prizes were presented to 23 Business and Governance students for the 2017 academic year across 36 categories that included accounting, auditing, commerce, counter-terrorism, economics, human resources and politics.

“With regard to our award recipients, it’s important to note that in every case they went above and beyond what was expected of them,” Dean of the School, Professor Grant O’Neill, said.

“It wasn’t enough to simply pass the exam or assignment, they each strove for excellence, and they each achieved it.”

Asian Studies and Politics graduate Georgia Gillies received the May Holman Prize, which is presented to the highest-achieving female student in a Politics major or honours degree.

In addition to receiving this accolade, Ms Gillies was recently offered one of just two graduate positions with the WA Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Upon accepting her prize on the evening from former associate dean, Dr Janice Dudley, Ms Gillies said she was pleased with her decision to study at Murdoch University.

“After much consideration and research into universities, I elected Murdoch University as my first preference, because I believed the Indonesian language, Asian Studies and Politics courses and programs available were the best on offer,” she said.

“Throughout my studies, I received valuable opportunities for personal development, networking and expanding my knowledge and skills - both professionally and academically.”

These opportunities included participating in the Australian Consortium for In-Country Indonesian Studies (ACICIS) Business Professional Practicum in Jakarta; the Common Purpose Study Abroad Program in Singapore and the University of Sydney Southeast Asia Centre Honours Boot-camp.

While studying, Ms Gillies also completed internships at the Parliament of Western Australia and with the Western Australia Trade and Investment Office in Jakarta.

“I am grateful for the scholarships I received to participate in these programs,” Ms Gillies said.

At the awards ceremony, Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Eeva Leinonen spoke of the valuable contribution made by the School of Business and Governance in offering accessible and workplace-focused programs to students, ensuring they were well-equipped for future employment upon graduation.

“The University and the School are on a journey of change, as we educate future-thinkers who are sought after by employers and are ready to contribute to the positive development of our community in myriad ways,” Professor Leinonen said.

“We strive to embed in our graduates a global mindset that will foster their creative engagement throughout their careers - and as a result - develop graduates who make a difference; who think differently; and who are highly capable contributors to their communities.

“I am very proud of the School, the great work done by staff, and their commitment to innovation, external engagement and continuous improvement.”