A group of prominent citizens were honoured during CQUniversity Rockhampton's graduation this week...

Honorary awards were conferred on disability services stalwart Des Ryan, businessman Dick MacNevin OAM and former Mayor Margaret Strelow (who was also guest speaker for the evening).  Margaret has another connection to the ceremony in her capacity as an alumnus (graduating from a Diploma of Teaching [Primary] in 1984) and a further connection as a former University staff member.

Guest speaker Margaret Strelow

Bob Blair - Honorary Master of Business Administration

Des Ryan - Companion of the University

Dick MacNevin - Companion of the University

Dudley Roach - Emeritus Professor

Margaret Strelow - Companion of the University

An honorary degree was conferred on Dreamtime Cultural Centre manager Bob Blair and rail research leader Dudley Roach will be appointed as an Emeritus Professor.

A total of 155 students, including 7 at doctoral level, attended the event, from 6pm at the  Baptist Tabernacle in Norman Road.

Des Ryan is honoured during the graduation ceremony in Rockhampton this week.

As well as Australians, students attending are from a range of nations, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Myanmar, Nepal, Peru, the Russian Federation, Kenya, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Fiji, Singapore, China, India, Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines.

The night may have seemed a blur for some

Happy to queue for the big night