Dubbo man Peter Butcherine has been recognised with one of Southern Cross University’s highest honours, the University Medal.
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Mr Butcherine completed his Bachelor of Science with Honours (First Class Honours) and graduated on Saturday, September 23, at the Lismore Campus.
The University Medal is awarded to students who complete a degree with First Class Honours and maintain a high standard of academic achievement.
Mr Butcherine was one of just two to be presented with the medal at Saturday’s graduation.
“I didn’t know the medal existed until the university notified me, however I always aim to do my best and receiving it is validation for a lot of hard work,” he said.
Mr Butcherine grew up in Dubbo and earned a Bachelor of Science at Sydney University before becoming a teacher at St John’s College. He worked at AXXIS Techology in Dubbo for Mathew Dickerson before moving to Coffs Harbour.
After almost 20 years in IT, Mr Butcherine said he felt the need for change, and decided to study a Bachelor of Enviromental Science as an undergraduate degree, before gaining his honours.
He has been studying for six and a half years part-time while working full-time and raising a family.
Mr Butcherine is now employed by Southern Cross University as a research assistant. His current focus is mainly in the field of marine natural product research, investigating novel pharmaceuticals and medicines from nature.
“If you had asked me five years ago I wouldn’t have thought I’d be doing this but I’m doing something I want to do,” he said.
The support of family and friends had been crucial to completing his studies and contributed to earning the University Medal, Mr Butcherine said.