21 May 2008

Collingwood Magpie defender Shane Wakelin will trade his footy boots for a graduation gown when he receives a Masters of Business from Victoria University on May 30.

Shane acquired his MBA part-time over six years at VU's Flinders Street Campus, while playing full-time professional football, and taking up an increasing number of roles as an environmental campaigner.

Shane, 34, has been an AFL player for 15 years. He participated in Grand Final games with St Kilda in 1997 and Collingwood in 2002 and 2003.

Like many professional athletes, he is assessing his future one year at a time, and preparing for an eventual career after football.

Shane enrolled in VU's MBA with a focus on accounting and finance, because of the University's "incredibly accommodating flexibility". He currently works part-time as an analyst with a private equity company.

A concern for the environment has occupied much of Shane's off-field time in recent years, and he sees his future in a career aligned with that interest.

"I was never an over-the-top Greenie, but I grew up in the country in South Australia, so I have always had a respect the environment", he said.

"I'm like a lot of people who have a hidden passion and didn't explore it until I was presented with opportunities."

Shane was a key participant in the recent Earth Hour 2008 and is an ambassador for Al Gore's Climate Change Leadership Program. He has joined dozens of other athletes as a campaigner for Sport 4 the Environment - a program that aims to help local sporting clubs and organisations develop their own environment policies.

From a green viewpoint, increasingly, Shane is also making changes to his personal life. He sold his 1972 Mercedes sedan last year, and now catches public transport to his games and training.

"Taking public transport is a wonderful opportunity to spread the message to corporate sponsors, fans and the public that anyone can make these everyday life decisions and make a difference."

"Public recognition on the tram or train is a small price to pay for the thousands of dollars worth of publicity his actions generate", he said.

However, for his VU graduation ceremony next week at Flemington Racecourse Events Centre, Shane will likely take a lift in his wife's car so that his wife and two young children can be part of his special day.

Shane Wakelin is available for interview and a photo of Shane is available on request.

Media Contact: Ann Marie Angebrandt
Marketing & Communications Department, Victoria University
Ph: (03) 9919 5487; mobile 0403 556 001

For information about VU's Masters of Business courses: Ph: (03) 9919 6100