×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog

Marilyn Seidel

Marilyn's contribution to theÌýHughes Bequest ProgramÌýand the Hughes Bequest Committee over the past five years has been outstanding. Her knowledge of the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog and ability to engage with alumni has promoted and grown awareness of the Program, resulting in more scholarships for disadvantaged students.

As a passionate supporter of the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog, Marilyn has also volunteered with theÌýÌýfor several years and theÌýÌýsince 2003. She has supported more than 25 international students,Ìýassisting them with their written and spoken English, resume writingÌýand settling into Adelaide.

"Marilyn means more than a dedicated volunteer to me, she is not only a mentor but a true friend. I was deeply impressed and influenced by her optimism, passion, perseverance and commitments to the community, which were the most valuable rewards gained through our weekly catch ups."Marilyn's student

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Arthur Yeow

Arthur has been anÌýsince July 2015, guiding and mentoring new international students through their early stages of study. As a dedicated volunteer, he provides information on settling into ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog life, facilitates campus tours and co-runs sessions with International Student Advisors.Ìý

Arthur’s commitment and professionalism to the Program has resulted in high levels of student engagement and a strong culture of inclusivity. More recently, Arthur has taken on a leadership role by training new Peer Mentors in customer service, campus tours, public speaking and event management.Ìý

He also coordinates cultural evenings where 100+ domestic and international students attend to engage with new culture through activities, presentations and food.

Arthur also volunteers with theÌýÌýand supports theÌýPeer Assisted Study SessionsÌýfor Biology.

James Cowley

This year, while completing his PhD in Molecular Biology, James has been volunteering as a Regional Lecture Series Activity Presenter withÌýChildren’s ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog.

As a volunteer, James has led engaging activities to more than 890 school students in the regional towns of Port Pirie, Renmark and Barmera. Activities included DNA extraction and sensory aroma experiments. A major part of his role was to talk to students about his study journey and how his upbringing in a regional community sparked his interest in plants.

He is passionate about his area of study. Students can’t help but be drawn in by his enthusiasm which inspire them to find their passion and follow it into higher education. Hear about James' storyÌý.

International Student Peer Mentor Program

TheÌýÌýhas been operating sinceÌý2007 and is dedicated to transforming the International Student experience. Volunteers help new students settle into life in Adelaide and make connections at the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog.

The 33 volunteers who act as International Student Peer Mentors demonstrate exceptional dedication to the Program.Ìý

They provide peer support and a student’s perspective of ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog life by sharing their experiences, challenges and insights, supporting their mentees to adjust and be successful at ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog.

Mentors organise, co-create, co-present and facilitate the International Students Orientations each semester. They provide a nurturing environment at the start of the student journey and maintain a constant presence by organising weekly morning teas and host Language and Cultural Engagement nights.

×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog Archives Volunteer Group

TheÌý×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog Archives Volunteer GroupÌýbegan in 2003 with a handful of volunteers and has grown to a dedicated group of 46 volunteers today. Each volunteer spends between threeÌýand 12 hours a week working on tasks ranging from indexing collections and researching documentation, to rehousing delicate items.

In the past two years, the Archives volunteers have donated more than 7,000 hours demonstrating the high level of commitment and dedication they provide to the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog.

Thanks to these volunteers, sections of the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog’s collection are being listed, indexed, digitised and made publicly available online, facilitating global access. Volunteers have also made it possible for the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog to participate in Expert Nation, an ARC funded discovery project with the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog of Sydney and the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog of Melbourne. They have developed research, technical and data management skills in order to contribute to the project and are making significant and lasting contributions to the wider community through this work.