Jazz and sports icons Don Burrows AO MBE and John Bertrand AM were among guests for Central Queensland University graduation ceremonies in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne this month (September).

The CQU graduation ceremony at Sydney Town Hall on Friday, September 10, included the presentation of an Honorary Doctor of Education degree to Don Burrows, who has been at the forefront of the jazz world for most of his 62 years in the business.

The same ceremony, witnessed a guest speech by winning America’s Cup yacht skipper and worldwide TV distributor John Bertrand AM. The 316 graduates attending represented more than 30 nationalities.

Earlier in the week, Queensland Auditor-General Len Scanlan was the guest speaker for the CQU graduation ceremony at Brisbane’s Carlton Crest Hotel in King George Square.

The Brisbane ceremony, on Wednesday, September 8, included the first three pioneering graduates from the innovative Professional Doctorate program (designed to enhance workplace problem-solving in digital age) with topics including the ‘Virtual Conservatorium’ (CQCM's Ian Bofinger and former Con Director Greg Whateley) and ‘Enhancing access to future employment: Creating a suite of school-based educational products for the purpose of significantly improving students’ understanding of generic workplace culture and practice’ (Suzanne Lunn). There are now 73 students in the CQU Prof Doc program throughout Australia and Singapore.

A total of 93 graduates attended the CQU Brisbane ceremony, representing more than 20 nationalities.

The CQU graduation ceremony at Melbourne on Thursday, September 9 at the Grand Hyatt in Collins Street) included a guest speech by Lord Mayor John So. A total of 183 graduates attended, representing more than 20 nationalities. ENDS.

Photo left: Chancellor Rennie Fritschy (left) and Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rickard with John Bertrand AM.

Photo above: Jazz stalwart Don Burrows AO MBE receives an Honorary Doctor of Education from Chancellor Rennie Fritschy.