From second chance to first valedictorian

When Iain Puxty was named the first valedictorian at UniSQ’s Springfield campus, it was more than a milestone moment – it showed what access to education can make possible.

His story is deeply connected to the origins of Springfield itself – a city built through vision and collaboration.

“Building a university here attracted a whole lot of people who possibly couldn’t have gone to other universities,” he said.

For Iain, that access was life-changing.

“Regional universities tend to have more people like me who struggled at school and basically had a second chance,” he said.

That second chance didn’t begin in a classroom. It started overseas.

“I started my degree while I was overseas,” he said. “I was living in South East Asia as a tour guide.”

Iain realised he wanted something more tangible from the experience, prompting him to enrol with UniSQ.

“It allowed me to study externally while living abroad,” he said. “And I was like, ‘holy cats, I can do this.’”

That realisation proved transformative.

When Iain returned to Australia and transitioned to on-campus study, Springfield offered more than just a place to learn – it offered connection.

After years overseas, he found himself immersed in a close-knit, multicultural community. He built relationships with staff and students and helped establish a multicultural club.

“The University enriched my life by showing me that I could do academia,” Iain said.

That growth culminated in delivering the valedictorian graduation speech – a moment he still vividly remembers.

“I stumbled over the first few words, but then I regrouped,” he said. “The audience was on my side. I spoke about my life, about not being a great student and then having the opportunity to come here and do well.”

It’s a story that captures the spirit of UniSQ Springfield over the past 20 years – opening doors, building confidence, and creating pathways for people to succeed on their own terms.

“The uni gave me the opportunity to try,” he said. “And you should always try, because you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

After graduating with a Business degree, Iain secured a graduate role with the Department of Defence, where he went on to build a career in logistics and operations.

Looking back, one thing stands out.

“I don’t ever remember anyone saying you can’t do that,” he said. “Everyone was supportive.”

As Springfield celebrates two decades as an education hub in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, stories like Iain’s show the lasting impact of a university embedded in its community.

“It’s outstanding having a regional university like this,” he said. “It gives people the opportunity without having to travel far. It’s right on their doorstep.”

Learn more about the UniSQ Springfield 20th anniversary.