It was an emotional and raucous “goodbye” -- filled with laughter, jokes, and hugs -- to Deputy Vice Chancellor Rhondda Jones, on the lawn outside the Chancellery Office in Rockhampton Friday.

DVC Jones, along with husband Robin Gilliver -- who developed a central records system for the university -- returned to North Queensland after a 10-month appointment at CQU.

Their time here was short, but their impact will last.

“You\'re an outstanding person, a great friend to CQU, and a DVC who has played every role,” exclaimed Professor Hancock. Stewart Marshall, on behalf of all the deans, thanked Rhondda from “the bottom of our hearts” for her contributions to the university and their faculties. “It’s been marvellous having you here. You were so refreshing... you always got down to the point and had an understanding of what things were about. We’re all going to miss you,” said Stewart, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Communication. Rhondda wore many hats during her appointment including that of DVC and acting Vice Chancellor, advising staff and departments across all faculties Jeanne McConachie, Director of Division of Teaching and Learning Services, read a poem about Rhondda, who “took CQU by storm”. Because Rhondda was always quick to tell colleagues to “cut the bull”, Jeanne presented her with a small statue of a Rockhampton Bull.

“When Rhondda started she made me really afraid because she swore better than me,” explained Megan Barrett, Director of the Office of Research. “She was more stubborn than me... and I thought I wasn’t going to like this woman at all. But she turned out to be one of the best friends I have known in the last 12 months.” Alan Knight, Academic Board President said how great it was to have Rhondda at Board meetings.... Especially when he could turn to her and say “you have the answer for that, don’t you?” Rhondda expressed her gratitude, offering tools to some colleagues to help them in their tasks. Kevin Fagg, (DVC, Resources) was presented a special calculator adorned with stickers of spiders and ants so he could work the “bugs out of the systems.” And newly appointed Ron Davies (DVC, Academic and Research) was given a South American flute, which Rhondda said, he could play to soothe people and ease situations.

“We all have very happy memories,” said Professor Hancock, with a bit of a twinkle in her eye. “We look for an opportunity to lure you back!”