'The Scholarship is a very special initiative to our whole family and we are forever thankful to the Downer Group for initiating the scholarship. Dad loved his time in Toowoomba and was passionate about helping young people get a leg up at the start of their careers.'Warwick McEvoy graduated from the University of Southern Queensland in 1994 with a Bachelor of Business. He went on to pursue a successful global career in mining that took him all over Australia, Asia and the rest of the world – that led him to hold the position of Chief Financial Officer for Downer Mining.
– Jake McEvoy, son of University Alumnus, Warwick McEvoy.
He was also passionate about developing young people and mentored many business graduates at the start of their career – and now a scholarship in his name will ensure his legacy and memory is honoured by continuing to support up and coming professionals.
The Downer Group Warwick McEvoy Memorial Scholarship, offered for the first time in 2022, has been set up by the Downer Group to support a commencing University of Southern Queensland Bachelor of Business student, following Warwick’s passing in 2021.
Downer Group Chief Financial Officer, Michael Ferguson, worked with Warwick for a number of years and says the company is proud to honour Warwick’s memory by contributing to the scholarship.
“Warwick was a wonderful colleague, an outstanding professional and an excellent leader,” Mr Ferguson said.
“He was highly respected and admired by those who worked with and for him.
“Warwick had a passion for developing the next generation of finance leaders so it is very pleasing that his legacy will live on through this scholarship.”
Warwick’s eldest son, Jake, said his Dad was very moved by the idea of the scholarship and would have loved how it was set up.
“Due to Downer's generosity, it is an annuity scholarship, so it will be able to help many future students. I know the idea of annuity to a CFO would have been appealing too,” he said.
Jake said his Dad was remembered as a proud family man who, while successful in his career, was also a firm believer in balance.
“We hope future recipients of this scholarship use the funds to also enjoy the social side of university life, as well as to further their education.”
