Inspired by her mother, this graduate is putting her own spin on her career.
She could have been a professional dancer, but then a life in public relations and journalism beckoned. Now a career in law is calling her name. For Bond University Bachelor of Communication graduate Summer Leury, variety is the spice of life.
“I’ve always loved learning,” she says, “and the harder I try, the more I enjoy it.”
Summer Leury has graduated with a Communication degree but celebrations are on ice as she returns to study a Juris Doctor.
Summer Leury has graduated with a Communication degree but celebrations are on ice as she returns to study a Juris Doctor.
But her career could have taken a vastly different turn. For Ms Leury, a love for theatre and performance was all-consuming when she was growing up.
“I performed at Carols in the Domain for 10 years straight when I was younger and danced at Disneyland in LA and Universal Studios,” she says. “Performing was pretty much my entire childhood.”
Summer, centre, performing at Carols in the Domain.
Summer Leury, centre, performing at Carols in the Domain.
When Ms Leury graduated from St Catherine’s School in Sydney, she enrolled at celebrated performance college ED5 International. Although she enjoyed every minute of it, it was a parental influence that inspired her to change tack.
“My mother (Ingrid Roepers) was something of a pioneer in the marketing and public relations space,” she says. “She owned her own business in Sydney for the best part of 35 years, and I was always fascinated by the work she did. She had some incredible clients. She worked with Formula 1 car racing, and brands like Gillette and Braun. She was Peter Brock’s publicist and led campaigns for the Uncle Toby’s Ironman series.
"I still remember hearing about the time Madonna was touring Australia in 1993, and mum organised her to appear with some of the Ironman athletes."
“Mum was genuinely something of a revolutionary voice for women in the PR game. I’d always be at her work on Crown Street in Sydney when I was a young girl and she’d be there with 20 female staffers. I couldn’t help but be inspired. I’m not convinced mum was keen for me to follow in her footsteps, but I couldn’t help but be excited about going down the same road.”
Summer as a baby with her mother Ingrid Roepers and Olympian Michael Klim.
Summer as a baby with her mother Ingrid Roepers and Olympian Michael Klim.
After earning her Advanced Diploma in Performing Arts, Ms Leury enrolled in a communication degree at a Sydney university.
“After absorbing all the excitement and colour of mum’s work, it wasn’t really doing it for me,” she says.
But a chance visit to Bond University shifted the dial.
“We were on the Gold Coast investigating university options for my brother. It only took a few moments wandering around the campus for me to realise Bond was the place for me. I enrolled and transferred. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Ms Leury has plenty of good things to say about the Bond experience generally, but she becomes particularly animated when talking about the work experiences Bond has gifted. Internships with Queensland Airports Limited and Think Communications were just the start. Another internship with Gold Coast Marathon evolved not just into a job but also tapped into another of Ms Leury’s keen interests – sport; perhaps unsurprising given her father Grant Leury represented Australia in kayaking at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
“I’ve always enjoyed sport,” she says. “Swimming and water polo. Surf-lifesaving too.”
It’s a passion that helped open yet another door. When Ms Leury spotted an advertisement on the Bond University Careers Development Centre website, she leapt at another chance.
“I’ve worked as a journalist and social media coordinator for Bond Sport for 18 months now.
"Sport is such an important part of the Bond University story and I absolutely love being involved."
Now Ms Leury is embarking on another tertiary qualification – this time it’s law.
“It’s a strategic move for me,” she says. “I know it will help open bigger doors down the line.”
So Ms Leury’s not done with Bond University just yet.“I genuinely love this place,” she says. “The industry connectedness is first class and if you’re open to embracing opportunities, Bond will back you all the way. The lecturers are accessible and excellent. I’m happy to be here for a bit longer.”
Published Monday, 1 December, 2025.
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