CQUniversity has welcomed past students to alumni functions in Gladstone (Feb 10) and Noosa (Feb 9). It was the second consecutive year for such an event in Gladstone and the first time for Noosa...

Cr Lew Brennan with Bundaberg and Noosa Campus Director Phillip Clift

A total of 19 graduates and staff attended a function at the Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club in Noosaville, hosted by our Chancellor Rennie Fristchy and his wife Noelene.

Mr Fristchy spoke about the expansion of the Noosa campus and thanked staff for their contribution and hard work. 

Graduates in attendance included Sharon Downman (Bachelor of Health Science-Nursing, 1993; Graduate Diploma of Health Administration, 1998 and Master of Health Informatics, 2005) who is currently the Assistant Director of Nursing at the Sunshine Coast Private Hospital.  Sharon mentioned it is great to see CQUniversity nursing graduates coming through the hospital for their training.

Master of Learning Management (2007) alumnus, Joanne Smith also attended and is currently a relief teacher throughout the Sunshine Coast region. Joanne thanked the organisers for a "lovely soiree".

Joanne Smith and Catherine MacAdam at the Noosa function

Two other graduates living in Brisbane also made their way to the function in Noosa. Semir Oglecevac (Bachelor of Social Work, 2003) who lives in Slacks Creek and works throughout the Gold Coast region took the opportunity to catch up with friends and attended the function. Jose Pais (Graduate Certificate of Management, 2006 & Master of Accounting, 2006) and his wife Jay, who attended the Brisbane alumni function in August last year, also took the opportunity to visit the beautiful Noosa area.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman welcomed 18 of the University's graduates and staff during the Gladstone function held at the Library Square Brasserie.

Professor Bowman updated graduates about the University's introduction of 20 new programs and gave a status report on our dual-sector proposal. 

"Along with staff and students, alumni are one of the most important stakeholders for the University.  Unfortunately, it is also very difficult to keep a connection with our alumni as they go off into the world after graduation," the Vice-Chancellor said.

"Regularly communicating and inviting alumni to University functions is integral to maintaining a strong connection."

Geoff Saunders with Robyn and Jim Steedman at the Gladstone function

Four alumni who attended the Gladstone function last year, also joined the University again this year.  Organisers thanked Janine Keating (Bachelor of Accounting, 2009); Ross Spencer (Bachelor of Psychology, 2007); Ross Hunter (Bachelor of Learning Management, 2007); and Katrina Maynard (Bachelor of Learning Management, 2008) for continuing to support the alumni functions.

"I really thought after I graduated from the University that I would lose connection, but I'm excited to attend these events and to receive other communications; it is great to hear what the University is planning for the future," said Katrina.

Ross Hunter expressed his delight with the introduction of the e-library database, saying "I really think this is a positive step and is particularly important to build a connection between alumni and the University".

Other attendees included Geoff Saunders (Diploma of Business, 2010) who is currently undertaking the role of Drafting Coordinator at Gladstone Ports Corporation. Geoff provided some interesting stories about his previous roles in Libya and Saudi Arabia.

Staff who joined the function in Gladstone included the new Dean of Engineering & Built Environment Dr Alan McPhail, Senior Lecturer Dr Andrew Wallace and Dean of Nursing and Midwifery Professor Ysanne Chapman.

Katrina Maynard, Ross Hunter and Karen Dunstan enjoy catching up

The next alumni function is scheduled for Mackay on Tuesday, March 8.

You can visit http://www.graduates.cqu.edu.au/ for more information.