Standing ovation at Townsville graduation
CQUniversity awarded more than 80 Vocational Education and Training (VET), undergraduate and research degrees at the 2023 Townsville Graduation ceremony.
Welcomed by Chancellor Graeme Innes AM, the ceremony was attended by hundreds of friends, family members, and CQUniversity supporters, who took to their feet as their loved ones crossed the graduation stage.
In his opening address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Klomp congratulated the new graduates on this significant milestone, recognising their determination, effort and growth.
“Whether you completed a certificate, diploma, undergraduate degree of postgraduate qualification, the study journey that led you here will be filled with memories of challenges and rewards. That is what makes today so special,” he said.
The event celebrated graduates from a diverse range of cohorts, including CQU’s School of Health Medical and Applied Sciences; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Sciences; School of Business and Law; School of Engineering and Technology and School of Education and the Arts.
Of the graduating cohort, almost half had completed health and nursing degrees, including Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduate, Amy-Louise Byrne.
Amy-Louise’s PhD thesis investigated how nurse navigators care for people with complex conditions.
Two Indigenous students also completed their studies in nursing and healthcare fields, Emma Morrison with a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, and Terese Santo with a Bachelor of Nursing.
The First Nations graduates elected to wear a cultural sash, recognising their ancestry and CQUniversity’s commitment to Reconciliation between Australia’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Bachelor of Psychological Science student Chris Albury delivered the graduates' representative response, acknowledging CQU's student advisors, teachers and lecturers, and Townsville staff for their support.
“Without your work and commitment to our field, education, university, and to us, none of this would be possible. I am sure I speak on behalf of all of my classmates when I say, we are very grateful for all your guidance and support,” Mr Albury said.
“Personally, I was blessed with passionate and committed teachers who always believed in my ability and went out of their way to give the guidance I required.”
The guest speaker address was delivered by CQUniversity Professor Rob Brown who was thrilled to attend his first Townsville Graduation ceremony in his new role as Associate Vice-President of the North Queensland region.
