The 2015 Ray Finlayson Medal for Leadership and Academic Excellence was awarded to WA School of Mines, Curtin University, Extractive Metallurgical Engineering student Michael Assmann, recognising his outstanding academic record and excellent leadership attributes.
The award is sponsored by the Kalgoorlie School of Mines Scholarship Trust in honour of the late Ray Finlayson, former gold prospector, mayor of Kalgoorlie and inaugural mayor of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
Dr Sam Spearing, Deputy Director WA School of Mines, Curtin University said the Ray Finlayson Medal recognises a Kalgoorlie-based student that was an emerging leader for the resources sector; someone who portrays not only outstanding academic capacity but also demonstrates broader leadership and community skills.
“Mr Assmann is currently the President of the AusIMM Kalgoorlie Student Chapter and has completed the John Curtin Leadership Academy program in 2013,” Dr Spearing said.
“With only the rest of this semester to go, he is averaging a grade in excess of 92 per cent in his course, which is outstanding.
“Michael’s academic success, coupled with his contribution to our School, support to his fellow students and role on the Kalgoorlie Campus Council has been a shining example to others. I know that he has already been gaining practical experience with vacation work at mine sites, so I am convinced that he has a bright future in the resources industry after he completes his studies and enters the workforce.”
Michael accepted the award at Curtin University’s recent Can You Dig It event held at the Bentley Campus.
“It is a great honour to receive such a prestigious award and I look forward to encompassing its value of leadership throughout my career in the mining industry,” Mr Assmann said.
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Notes to Editor
Traditionally the Ray Finlayson Medal is presented at the Diggers and Dealers Conference, which took place in Kalgoorlie in August. While the award was announced at that event, the Medal was officially presented to Michael Assmann by members of Ray Finlayson’s family on 16 October 2015 at an event at Curtin University’s Bentley Campus.
