Past and present staff and students of Central Queensland University’s STEPS program gathered at CQU Gladstone for a night of reminiscing, inspirational stories and celebrations last Friday.

Over 150 people attended an official function to mark the 20th anniversary of STEPS, the pre-university preparatory program that helps mature-age students achieve study ambitions.

The STEPS program first started at the Rockhampton campus in 1986 and was offered in Gladstone for the first time in 1989. Since then, hundreds of Gladstone adults have graduated from the STEPS program and gone on to complete tertiary studies.

The 20th Anniversary evening began with the graduation ceremony for the 2006 STEPS classes. Forty-three students graduated in front of their friends and family and special guests.

Following the ceremony, the 2006 graduates were joined by the staff, students and families of past graduates.

Special guests on the night included all of the past Gladstone STEPS coordinators - Marian Metcalfe, Megan Hindmarch and Lynne Campbell - and CQU Gladstone's first Head of Campus, Rex Metcalfe.

Students from almost every graduating year were present on the night.

Acting Head of Campus, Dr Andrew Wallace said the celebration was a testament to the success of the STEPS program.

“Many of the speakers on the night drew attention to the difference the program has made to their lives. A lot of people without high school qualifications have been given the skills and confidence to embark on university degrees and have gone on to begin new careers or a new chapter in their life," Dr Wallace said.

In his address, Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rickard spoke of his pride in the way CQU helped people make so much progress from modest starting points. In contrast, his earlier experiences teaching elite students in overseas universities only involved helping people who already knew a lot to learn more.

1998 STEPS graduate, Nerida Wirrigan-Walters spoke on the night about her personal journey. Nerida began STEPS 22 years after completing Year 11.

“I was in my third marriage with 7 children to care for (my 5 plus 2 stepchildren) and I was working 3 part-time jobs in 3 local schools as a teacher aide, an Indigenous education worker, and an Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ATAS) tutor,” said Nerida.

Since STEPS, Nerdia has gone on to complete her Bachelor of Communication degree and has accepted a job as an employment consultant.

“It was the best thing I ever did. STEPS is a life-changing process of learning in leaps and bounds that has a profound impact on the lives of students and the people they care about,” said Nerida.

Gladstone STEPS coordinator, Muriel Strahm said applications were now open for STEPS 2007 classes. An information session will be held on October 24 and anyone interested in STEPS should contact CQU Gladstone on 4970 7277 for more details.

Photo (above): 1998 STEPS graduate, Nerida Wirrigan-Walters spoke about her personal journey at the STEPS celebrations.

Photo (below): Gladstone STEPS coordinator Muriel Strahm was joined by past coordinators, Lynne Campbell, Megan Hindmarch and Marian Metcalfe at the recent STEPS celebrations in Gladstone.