Ever wondered what our students experience in the Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) program? A new exhibit in the main entrance way of MUSE helps tell the story through a collection of 12 photographs that were finalists in the recent PACE photo competition.

“These photographs are not only beautiful, but demonstrate the deep connection that PACE students make as part of their experiences. PACE is a signature program of Macquarie University and the images exemplify the transformational learning that students have as part of their PACE activities,” says Professor Sherman Young, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching).

Through the year-long competition, organisers aimed to promote the diverse experiences of PACE students during their activities, showcase the professional and personal benefits of the program, and encourage a shared community of support, engagement and discussion.

Students were encouraged to submit photographic images of the moments they considered the most inspiring or valuable about their PACE activity in three categories: workplace experiences, community context and connections. In addition, a People’s Choice category selected an image based on the amount of Likes it gained on the PACE Facebook page.

In total, students submitted nearly 160 images from their local, regional and international PACE activities. From the 12 finalists now featured in the exhibit, the judges, including PACE Academic Program Director Lindie Clark, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching) Professor Sherman Young and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) John Simons, selected two overall winners:

• 2015 Overall winner: Kristofer Gilmore – Winter Vacation, Connections winner
• 2015 Overall runner up: Joshua Gacutan – Session 2 + Summer Vacation, Workplace Experiences winner

The exhibit will remain on display through Friday 17 June.