The generosity of Jocelyn Watson OAM and John Watson AM shows how giving can positively impact the lives and journeys of current and future students pursuing careers that support Tasmania’s communities.
Last year, the pair made an endowed gift to recognise student academic success – a gesture now etched in perpetuity as the Jocelyn Watson OAM FPS Community Pharmacy Prize and John O W Watson AM Business Tax Prize.
Entrusting these funds into the University’s care and management will see the legacy of Jocelyn and John endure as the prizes established in their honour continue being awarded for generations.
“The University of Tasmania is close to our hearts, as John studied there, as well as our four children. We deeply value education to provide opportunities in life, hence our gift to the University to support and encourage students,” Jocelyn and John said.
“University study is a huge commitment, and a degree opens up so many opportunities. Encouraging excellence and supporting students to do their best is always worthwhile.”
Since marrying and making a home together in Tasmania, John and Jocelyn have devoted a life of service to their community.
John worked as a qualified accountant, also teaching tax and helping establish guidelines for superannuation before becoming a Senator for Tasmania and later, a member of the West Tamar Council.
Jocelyn worked as a locum Community Pharmacist in Launceston, and as the Director and Chairperson of the United Friendly Society Pharmacy among other roles, in addition to mentoring fellow pharmacists.
“We trust that these prizes will inspire and support others in the same careers which have brought us much satisfaction and continue our legacy in each of these disciplines.”
For the inaugural prize recipients, final-year pharmacy student Sarah Reay, and recent business graduate Daniel Hughes, the donations of Jocelyn and John mean so much.
35-year-old Sarah is on her way to becoming a Community Pharmacist in Launceston with plans to intern at her current workplace where she hopes to also become a partner one day.
“I love being part of a community pharmacy, particularly the relationships with patients, the accessibility that allows the community to seek health advice, and the daily chaos and uncertainty that come with it, as you never know who or what will walk through the door,” Sarah said.
“Jocelyn has been incredibly generous in establishing this prize to support pharmacy students, following her remarkable career in community pharmacy and as an educator. I am blessed to have access to amazing mentors, lecturers, and tutors, as well as a fantastic cohort of fellow students who not only want to be part of the pharmacy profession but also to enhance it.”
Hobart-based Daniel, 22, is ready to embark on a career in business, currently applying for opportunities that can challenge him while imparting new and valuable skills.
“I’ve always been interested in business and dreamt of one day running my own business. Studying a Bachelor of Business allowed me to develop skills in accounting and marketing—two areas that complement each other well as a business owner,” Daniel said.
“It’s an honour to receive this award, and I’m incredibly grateful to John and Jocelyn Watson for their generosity. Uni can be tough sometimes so it really is a great encouragement to see hard work recognised and I think this prize will really encourage future recipients.”
The University is very grateful for these important endowed gifts which will contribute towards the goal of building a healthier and more equitable Tasmania, two of the pillars of the University’s $50 million, five-year fundraising campaign, Sustain.
This story featured in the University of Tasmania's Investment Fund Report which can be viewed on our Endowed Gifts website.
Top of the page: Jocelyn Watson OAM and John Watson AM.