A procession of fifty-six graduates will signal the start of this year’s Central Queensland University graduation ceremony on Saturday 9 July.

The graduates will be joined by the University’s academic staff, school children from the district and a bagpiper.

CQU would like to invite all Gladstone residents to witness the procession along the main street starting at approximately 11:10am.

The graduates will walk from the Gladstone City Council to the Entertainment Centre where a formal graduation ceremony will take place.

Gladstone Head of Campus, Associate-Professor Robert Prater said that the parade was a favourite part of the day for graduates and their families.

“In the past we’ve found that the procession has always been very moving, with family members, friends and the general public lining the route, cheering and clapping to show the graduates how proud we are of their achievements. “It’s a very impressive sight to see everyone in the University’s full regalia and being led by a bagpiper and students from local schools.

“The inclusion of representatives from primary and secondary schools is an expression of the concept of lifelong learning which is characteristic of education today,” said Mr Prater. The community are encouraged to be in the main street on Saturday 9 July from 11am to 11:30am to witness the procession. Please phone CQU on 4970 7247 for further information.