Alexander Smith and Edward Brockhoff have been selected as the inaugural recipients of the Bond University Alumni Scholarship.
The Scholarship assists outstanding Bond University alumni by providing financial support for accommodation and travel to enable them to undertake postgraduate study at the world’s finest universities, appropriate to their field of study.
Alexander will pack his bags and commence his studies at the University of Cambridge where he will pursue a Master of Law. He hopes to tailor his studies and complete a thesis in the field of international human rights law.
“I expect to challenge my existing knowledge, deepen my understanding of the law and gain international perspective on contemporary legal issues from some of the best and brightest minds in the world,” said Alexander.
Alexander completed his studies at Bond University in 2010 graduating as Valedictorian from a Bachelor of Laws (with first class honours) and a Bachelor of International Relations (Business).
Since graduating, Alexander has completed an internship at the United Nations in Geneva and commenced practice as a Graduate Solicitor at Freehills in his hometown Sydney.
Alexander hopes to apply the international knowledge he’ll acquire to helping him achieve his career ambition of positively driving Australian domestic law reform.
Fellow scholarship recipient, Edward Brockhoff, a 2006 Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Relations graduate, will commence his studies at Columbia University this September where we will undertake a Master of Public Administration. Edward was also Valedictorian and graduated with First Class Honours for Law.
International experience is not new to Edward who has among other things served on the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in Tanzania and travelled through almost 50 countries.
In Australia, Edward has worked as an Associate to Justice Michael Kirby of the High Court of Australia and most recently as a Coordinator for Youth Development with Save the Children, based in Kununurra, Western Australia.
Edward says he is most looking forward to deepening his knowledge and developing skills particular to his chosen career of international development.
“I need to deepen my understanding of the theory and practice of creating, influencing and evaluating public policy in a global context. After graduating from Columbia University I intend to work in international development in Australia, specifically with First Nation peoples and in conflict resolution,” said Edward.
“This is an incredible opportunity for me to engage in high level debate with future leaders from different cultures and backgrounds, to present my ideas for discussion and criticism, and to analyse and challenge ideas of others,” he said.
The scholarship recipients are chosen based on factors including academic merit, demonstrated leadership, citizenship and community service and referees.
For more information about the scholarships available to Bond University alumni, or to see what our alumni are up to around the globe, visit: www.alumni.bond.edu.au.