Last weekend's Central Queensland University graduation ceremonies in Rockhampton included graduates' closing addresses by two former female students.

The graduates' closing address for the morning ceremony was delivered by Brooke Veliscek (below), who graduated with 1st class Honours in her Bachelor of Engineering Co-op (Electrical) degree, and obtained the highest GPA of the female engineering student cohort.

Brooke said that recognition from family, friends and peers was the 'icing on the cake' after years of study. She said students may remember their first day at CQU, when they might have got lost or enjoyed free pizza.

"It was there that we all branched off on our individual paths ...and although our unique paths may have seemed like mazes at times, they have all steered us to the same place today; this time the celebration of our success," she said.

The graduates' closing address for the afternoon ceremony was delivered by Louise Challen (right), who graduated with a Bachelor of Science (with Distinction). She has started work as a Laboratory Analytical Technician with Queensland Alumina Ltd in Gladstone and is studying towards her Honours degree on a part-time basis.

Louise also reflected on the challenges of adapting to university life and being away from family.

"We realised that food did not magically appear at dinner time, clothes did not wash themselves and that plastic utensils are an expensive alternative to not doing the dishes," she said.

"Our mature age students faced the challenges of recommencing studies, as well as balancing family and work commitments.

"I believe we are fortunate to have attended a university as diverse as this. CQU has a mosaic-like structure, consisting of students of many nationalities, ages and backgrounds - yet we all manage to grown and learn as one."