Last Saturday afternoon, 157 nervous and excited graduates graced the stage of the Mackay Entertainment Centre to celebrate with friends, family and staff from CQU.

The ceremony was officiated by Acting Chancellor Mr Charles Ware. Professor John Rickard, Vice-Chancellor and President, delivered an opening address and Greg Williamson addressed the graduates as the official guest speaker. Executive Deans professors Gus Geurson, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Smith also attended.

Mr Williamson, a former Mayor of Mackay, is now responsible for the Queensland operations of Chandler McLeod. His business life has included directorships on the boards of Mackay Television, The Queensland Tourist and Travel Corporation and, currently, as Deputy Chair of the Whitsunday Anglican School. Mr Williamson also provides an extra area of expertise to Chandler McLeod through a lifetime involvement with aviation and the military.

The guest speaker delivered an empowering speech to the graduates about taking charge of their lives and living powerful, truthful and meaningful lives. He highlighted that in this current climate, graduates should expect to change careers several times and that these times provide exciting opportunities to challenge ourselves.

Professor Jennelle Kyd presented Dr Cecily Knight, lecturer and Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Education, as a Doctor of Education graduate for her research and study on enhancing the resilience of children.

Mrs Sharon Grubb, one of Dr Knight's students, was the recipient of the prestigious CQU Mackay Campus Medal. Mrs Grubb delivered the closing address and urged her fellow graduates to be proud of their achievements and to do great things with their new skills and knowledge.

Head of Campus Professor Phillip Clift expressed his congratulations to all graduates and wished them well for their future: “I know that the qualifications they have gained from CQU will hold them in good sted to make significant contributions in their chosen professions”.