This week's CQUniversity graduation ceremony in Rockhampton features four honorary awards and a record number of doctoral awards for a single ceremony.

The ceremony, from 2pm Thursday, at the CQ Community Sports Centre on campus, also features a guest address by recently-retired Supreme Court Judge, The Honourable Stan Jones AO, QC, LLB Qld, who was a long-serving Chancellor of CQUniversity. LINK for more on Guest Speaker - The Honourable Stan Jones AO

A total of 164 graduates will celebrate during the ceremony, including 16 gaining PhDs for research ranging from natural sweetener to sporting event legacy, and from documentary films to the use of copper vessels to reduce water-borne diseases. There is also one Doctor of Education and three masters by research graduates.

Tim McSweeney will be conferred with the degree of Honorary Master of Engineering in recognition of outstanding achievements in the rail industry and as a rail research academic.

Former long-serving CQUniversity staff member Ken Window will be conferred with the degree of Honorary Doctor of Education for his outstanding contribution to tertiary education.

Energex CEO Terence Effeney's auspicious career in the Queensland electrical industry will be recognised when he is conferred with the degree of Honorary Doctor of Power Engineering.

A current member of the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) establishment taskforce, Deborah Clayton will be appointed as an Emeritus Professor of the University in recognition of her substantial contribution to maintaining and improving educational standards within Australia and overseas.