Gubbo says farewell to Uni after 30 years
Published on 21 January, 2010
Associated with CQUniversity for more than 3 decades and approaching icon status, Tony Gubbins (affectionately known as Gubbo) will say farewell tomorrow and take up a fresh challenge...
Tony has been MC at numerous University events, including graduations (he's also the voice behind the University song), and for the past 20 years he has led the Rockhampton graduation procession, with mace in hand, as the official beadle.
Having recently returned to study to become a teacher, Tony will graduate on February 16 from the Graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching program. Ironically, he will be the MC at his own graduation ceremony.
Tony Gubbins reminisces about the time he wrote the Capricornia College's Blessing which now hangs in the dining hall of the residential college.Tony began his involvement with the university back in 1979 when he was a student in the then CIAE's Arts degree.
In 1981 he became a staff member working with student services, particularly with student welfare, counselling, accommodation, finances and general student inquiries. This later evolved into careers advising, school visits and student recruitment.
Reflecting on his time at the University, Tony says he has many fond memories that will stay with him forever.
"My years here have, in the main, been fabulous. I have seen the institution grow from a student base of just under 1000, to the great institution it is today. I am proud to have been a small part of this growth as both a student, staff member and as a member of council.
"I have served under 6 Vice-Chancellors and have been employed under all of the names the university has adopted except one, that being the Queensland Institute of Technology - Capricornia: a bit before my time!"
Gubbo finally walks away from CQUniversity after 30 years.Tony said he has crossed paths with a variety of people over the years and has had some wonderful experiences. He particularly remembers 2 individuals, William McInnes (of Sea Change fame) and Bill Fitzgerald (former head of the residential college), whose personalities and activities amused him greatly.
"I have been involved in the lives and development of many students and staff and am grateful for these encounters."
But as Tony says "time waits for no-one" and it is time for him to move on to another chapter in his life.
Next week he will begin his new career as an English and SOSE (Studies of Society and Environment) teacher at Emmaus College in Rockhampton.
"I have been dealing with students for 30 years, and now I have the opportunity to make a difference at the beginning of their study life.
Overseeing Capricornia College, Tony remembers the time when he lived and studied on-campus."I think as a teacher I can make a real difference to their lives."
Tony now looks forward to imparting his love of the English language and the world of politics and history to a new generation of students.
"Spelling and grammar is so neglected with all the new technology around - I want to teach students how the language is meant to be used. I also want to encourage students to encounter the enjoyment of reading.
"With SOSE students I hope I can impart knowledge about the world, especially politics, as it will have a profound effect on their lives."
"I thank each and every one of you who has come into my life, however briefly, over the years, for your friendship and support. It has been a great ride."
