• Charles Sturt University postgraduate student receives the Postgraduate University Medal Master of Arts (Theological Studies)
• The Medal is awarded to graduating postgraduate students who achieve a high Grade Point Average (GPA)
• Medal recipient plans to contribute to future research in field of theology

Cowra resident and postgraduate student in the Master of Arts (Theological Studies) at Charles Sturt’s St Mark’s National Theological Centre in Canberra Dr Marilyn Pietsch has been honoured with the Postgraduate University Medal Master of Arts (Theological Studies) for 2021.

Charles Sturt Postgraduate University Medals are awarded to graduating postgraduate students who have achieved a grade point average of 6.75 or higher.

More than 3,200 graduates from all Charles Sturt University’s campuses and across the country were conferred with their award on Friday 3 December, with just 32 students’ academic achievements receiving the prestigious recognition of a University Medal.

According to Associate Professor David Neville from the Charles Sturt School of Theology, Dr Pietsch achieved excellent results in all areas of theological study, including Church History and Systematic Theology.

“Within the Master of Arts (Theological Studies), Marilyn excelled in the study of Koine Greek and Biblical Studies,” said Associate Professor Neville. 

“Her capstone research project on a perplexing Gospel parable (in Greek) was of an exceptionally high standard.”

Dr Pietsch was pleased when she found out her academic achievements had been honoured with a University Medal.   

“It’s slightly unreal to receive this award for something from which I derived great pleasure, excitement and satisfaction,” Dr Pietsch said.  

“My results were an affirmation that I had “caught” the intended knowledge and understanding of each subject.

“I am very lucky to have the encouragement of my supportive husband, and the gifted teaching of all staff at St Mark’s,” she said.

Dr Pietsch hopes to take the knowledge she has acquired from her postgraduate studies into contributing to future research in the field of theology and assisting with occasional teaching at St John’s Anglican Church, Cowra.

Charles Sturt University celebrates more than 8,700 graduates who have received or will soon receive their award by the end of 2021.

While the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns affected graduation ceremonies, the University is committed to ensuring graduates have the opportunity to celebrate at a ceremony in the future, with dates to be confirmed.

ENDS