Historic gown donated back to Uni
Published on 23 June, 2010
The gown and gold hoods of CSIRO agricultural scientist H. Greig Turner, one of the prime movers of the early Central Queensland University Association, the pre-cursor to the establishment of CQUniversity, has been returned to the institution by his wife Yvonne Turner, who is herself a Companion of the University.
The CQ University Association was formed in 1958 "for the purpose of rendering every possible assistance in the establishment of the first stages of full tertiary education at Rockhampton".
Greig Turner was a continuing and strong force in the birth of CQUniversity from that point forward, including a later extended period as deputy chair of the Council of the Capricornia Institute of Advanced Education (CIAE) and as an Honorary Fellow of the CIAE. Greig's interest and involvement in CQUniversity continued until his death in July 2006.
His valuable service was recognised in 1991 with the awarding of a (Science) Doctorate and the opening and naming of the Greig Turner Science Building (Building 6).
At a recent morning tea at the Office of Development and Graduate Relations, where she presented Greig's robe, Yvonne was able to tell the staff about her own strong connection to many of the exciting events in the early years of the University.
Recognised for her organisational skills, Yvonne was asked to organise and coordinate the visit of Princess Alexandra and Angus Ogilvy for the official opening of the Rockhampton Campus Library building late in 1977. She recalled there were thousands on the lawns, admiring the unique (especially cast) panels that still decorate the Library's exterior, and that the event was widely covered by the press.
Yvonne went on to be employed by the University on a part-time basis, to organise a number of early Graduations and other events.
In 1998, she was named the very first Companion of this University, at the same ceremony at which the Arthur Appleton Building was named.
A past Meals On Wheels volunteer for around 30 years, and still a current weekly Blood Bank volunteer after 23 years, Yvonne's contribution to the lives of others in the community doesn't show many signs of slowing down, "despite" she says, "not being as quick as I used to be".
Director of the Office of Development and Graduate Relations, Suzi Blair said of the donation: "It is a lovely gesture of Yvonne's, to entrust the University with the holding of Greig's gown and hoods. It seems to me that a little piece of this University's history has now come full circle and we are very grateful."