Alumni from Brisbane and the Gold Coast came together for Central Queensland University’s inaugural Alumni event in Brisbane at the Carlton Crest Hotel on Monday December 11.

The evening got underway with Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rickard welcoming all guests including alumni and new graduates to the CQU alumni network.

Professor Rickard spoke briefly of the exciting new Alumni developments for 2007 including this networking event which will be a regular function following each graduation in Brisbane.

“This event will give new graduates an opportunity to network and meet past alumni in Brisbane," he said.

Four high-achieving graduates from the Brisbane and Gold Coast International Campuses were also awarded the prestigious Campus Directors’ Awards from Semester 2, 2006.

These awards recognize students who excel academically, demonstrate leadership ability, and are involved in extra-curricular and community activities.

With more than 200 students eligible, Jose Pais, David Heap, Sayuri Mori and Karthick Shiva Krishna Lakshmanaswamy were awarded for their outstanding performance from the Brisbane and the Gold Coast International Campuses.

Chancellor Rennie Fritschy congratulated the new graduates on their achievements and spoke about the benefits of continuing the Alumni network with Central Queensland University. He then introduced the Patron of Alumni, Mrs Veronica Rickard who expressed her excitement and enthusiasm of undertaking such a privileged position.

Some new developments that Mrs Rickard will be working on include:.

implementing a contact management database to assist CQU in keeping in touch with alumni;.

a range of events including the functions after each graduation ceremony;.

developing new alumni chapters around the world;.

and exciting networking opportunities.

The formalities ended with a presentation from Ms Tracey Hawkins, an Alumnus from 1994 who graduated from a Bachelor of Nursing.

Ms Hawkins entertained the audience with her wonderful travel stories and described how her degree in nursing from CQU enabled her to meet and help amazing people all around the world.

The celebrations continued well into the evening, with guests celebrating their achievements and reminiscing about their university experiences, while looking ahead to each of their promising futures.

Photo (above): Some of the hosts and guests present at the event.

Photo (below): Gold Coast Campus Director Ken Bruce with award winner Sayuri Mori.