The Richmond Institute of Sports Leadership class of 2018 graduated recently with a ceremony at the Swinburne Centre’s Maurice Rioli room.
Hosted by well-known former sports broadcaster, and current Richmond Football Club multimedia executive, Tiffany Cherry, the event was a celebration for the 108 students who had successfully completed the program.
52 per cent of students will use their dual Diploma of Sport Development and Leadership Management from Swinburne University to progress into further study while 46 per cent of the group have moved straight into employment.
Six 2018 RISL graduates are now employed by either the Richmond Football Club or RISL and nine students by X-Movement, an Australian founded in-school physical activity and mindfulness program based inCanada.
Another graduate, Isaac Quaynor, was drafted to the AFL, after being taken with pick 13 by the Collingwood Football Club.
Quaynor, along with Elexandra Best, a race car driver who competed in the AustralianProduction Car Series, and Indianna Robertson, who represented Australia at the World Youth Games in Argentina as a field hockey goalkeeper were presented with Sporting Excellence awards on the night.
The program’s most prestigious honour, the Program Excellence Award was presented to JoshWinfield and Maddie Bell, who were the two students that demonstrated the most outstanding overall performance throughout the year.
Among other award winners on the night was,Shannon Osiurak who was noted for Industry Excellence during her industry placements.
Shannon originally joined the program as a“back-way” into university after struggling with illness throughout year 12, however now a RISL graduate, she gained so much more.
Among Shannon’s placement opportunities were gameday operations and administration with the Richmond Football Club, assistance with the club’s LGBTQI Midsumma Festival and in the female leadership component of the Bachar Houli Academy.
She also completed an internship in the club’s community department and was able to go on a “life changing” trip toChina as part of the club’s reach internationally.
“Working with Richmond was incredible for me.I can’t even begin to say how thankful I am for the support the club has given me,” she said.
“I learnt so many new skills and techniques and made so many great connections along the way. The staff at RISL made sure we got to experience everything they could possibly offer us and without those opportunities, I wouldn’t have been able to find my current path.
“I remember turning around to Damien (Villarosa) in our last week of class and saying, ‘can I do this course again?’.”
Other award winners presented at the graduation were;
Academic Excellence Awards: Elyse Congues, James Horn, Lauren Marcellino and Jarryd Feillafe.
Leadership Excellence Awards: Ellen Wood, Ashley Watkins, Maddison Cavigan, Aaron Pianta, Zac Hanlen. Industry Excellence Awards: James Saliakos, Shayla Clarke, Marcus Kikidoplous, Zane Enders.
