University graduates, staff members and community leaders will be recognised during this Saturday’s CQU graduation ceremonies at the Rockhampton Baptist Tabernacle in Norman Road.

Around 380 graduates will be honoured at the morning (10am) and afternoon (2pm) ceremonies and a variety of special awards will be presented.

Local arts patron and university supporter Helene Jones OAM will become a Companion of the University.

Emerald Shire Cr Paul Bell AM (the former Emerald Mayor) will receive an Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration degree for his service to the community and corporate governance. He was recently made a Member of the Order of Australia for service to local government, regional development and tourism, vocational education and training and to the community.

Long-serving University Council member Suellen Ohl will be conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of the University to acknowledge her exceptional support of the University. Ms Ohl graduated from CQU’s predecessor the Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education in 1976 and went on to a successful career in accounting and financial planning.

Dr Lee Di Milia will receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Emerging Researchers for his internationally recognised studies into relationships between single vehicle accidents, shiftwork and fatigue.

The Vice-Chancellor’s (EXCEL) Awards for Excellence to General Staff will go to Georgina ‘Gina’ Yarrow (Multicultural Fair coordinator); Judith Wooller (Women Into Science and Technology Coordinator) and Cheryl Connor (implementation of a new budgetary process).

School of Contemporary Communication staff members Kate Ames, Ashley Holmes, Dr Philip Robertson and Jeff Young will jointly receive the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Quality Teaching for developing the innovative Contemporary Photomedia course. [Kate and Jeff will accept the award on behalf of the team].

Guest speakers for the ceremonies are APN News and Media executive Simon Irwin and Supreme Court of Queensland judge the Honourable Justice Peter Dutney.

Two of the Faculty Medal recipients and one of the two University Medal recipients are attending, as follows: Kathryn Joan Blyde (Faculty of Education and Creative Arts Medal) – morning ceremony Trisha Suzette Kelly (Faculty of Arts, Health and Sciences Medal) – afternoon ceremony April Mae Morton (University Medalist) – afternoon ceremony.

Entertainment for the ceremonies will be provided by the Capricornia Silver Band, internationally renowned tenor Chris Saunders and pianist Mary Steer.

For details call Sandi Lowien via 4930 9093.