Two CQU students celebrated the completion of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tertiary Entry Program (TEP) at a ceremony at Central Queensland University Rockhampton this week.

Meredith Crump and John Rutherford successfully completed the TEP program which prepares indigenous students for university study.

John and Meredith are both mature age students who have juggled studies with family, work and community commitments.

Nulloo Yumbah staff said both students had shown great determination, resilience and character in completing their studies and will be continuing on into an undergraduate career.

During the ceremony the students thanked Nulloo Yumbah, their families and each other for their success.

Director of Nulloo Yumbah, Associate Professor William Oates spoke about education as a responsibility, not a right, encouraging all in attendance to take seriously their responsibilities as custodians of the earth and caretakers of shared places.

He encouraged the students, and those in the audience, to consider enrolling in a university degree to equip them with the knowledge and skills to be responsible custodians of the land.

“There were all ages at the ceremony providing a clear message that the TEP is achievable and it does provide a clear pathway to undergraduate studies and lifelong learning,” TEP lecturer Mr Armstrong said.

TEP is offered through Nulloo Yumbah, CQU's Indigenous Learning, Spirituality & Research Centre.

Photo: Nulloo Yumbah's Laurel Hunt, John Rutherford, Meredith Crump and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Alex Radloff.