CQU Bundaberg recently celebrated 2 special occasions - 76 students graduating from the STEPS program in 2006 and the 20th anniversary of the program.

Around 220 guests were present at the STEPS graduation and about 250 guests joined in the 20th anniversary celebrations later that night.

CQU STEPS coordinator Karen Seary said the program had been very successful in the past 20 years.

“The greatest thing about the STEPS program is the success rate speaks for itself,” Ms Seary said. “Students do go on to greater things and as the name suggests it is a step in a different direction".

Ms Seary said that STEPS students are highly committed and dedicated people who should be very proud of their achievements on completion of the program.

"They have a real thirst for knowledge, are determined to succeed and show great courage in their quest to achieve what once was considered too far out of their reach.

“Many students face very challenging personal circumstances in their quest to change the direction of their life through STEPS, and, in the main, they are successful in conquering the obstacles that would once have had them located on the perimeter of higher education,” Ms Seary said.

The 20th Anniversary Celebration provided the opportunity for past students to congregate and share the successes they have gained since completing the program and to meet with students who have only very recently graduated from the 2006 STEPS program.

Guests attending the celebrations included Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rickard; Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Academic Services, Professor Alex Radloff; Director of the Division of Teaching and Learning Services, Dr Jeanne McConachie; Mayor of Bundaberg City, Kay McDuff; Deputy Mayor of Burnett Shire, Cr Maurice Chapman; Member of Bundaberg Advisory Committee, Mr Phillip Atherton; Acting Head of CQU Bundaberg, Dr Helen Huntly; CQU Staff and current and former STEPS students.

The STEPS program has been nominated for a 2006 Carrick Award in the category ‘Awards for programs that enhance learning’. Carrick Awards recognise learning and teaching support programs and services that make an outstanding contribution to the quality of student learning and the quality of the student experience in higher education.

The STEPS program provides a pathway into university while at the same time instilling confidence and skills considered necessary to a successful undergraduate study experience. STEPS bridges the gap for those students who would not otherwise have had the pre-requisite skills and knowledge to be accepted to tertiary study.

Photo above: Past STEPS students, Rae Brown (STEPS Graduate 2002) and Lin Flitton (STEPS Graduate 2002).

Photo below: Professor John Rickard with STEPS graduate, Yvonne Limpus (External STEPS 2006).