The Conferring of the degree of Honorary Master of Education on Jennifer Maree Simpson ..

Jonathan Simpson accepts the award on behalf of his late mother Jenny

For 50 years, Jenny Simpson dedicated her life to improving the lives of others through the gift of education. After completing her teacher's training in Brisbane, Central Queensland was the beneficiary of Jenny's entire teaching career, which started with primary education teaching at Crescent Lagoon, Bajool and The Hall State Schools.

In 1977, with much encouragement from her husband, Jim, who was also a teacher, Jenny made the transition from primary to secondary teaching when she joined Rockhampton's The Range College, now known as The Cathedral College.  Her impact at The Range was so great that she was recognised in the naming of the school drama wing in her honour.

In 1992, Jenny joined CQUniversity as a lecturer in the Language and Learning writing course within the Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program.  Jenny would eventually describe this position as the most important and rewarding of her teaching career.  In her 14 years as a STEPS lecturer, Jenny helped provide more than 1000 students with the opportunities and inspiration to change their lives through tertiary education.  Jenny's life and teaching was influenced by the potential of the individual.  Her dedication to education and her profession was recognised in 2006 when she was awarded a Citation from the Australian Teaching and Learning Council for her significant contribution to the quality of student learning.

As well as being an exemplar to staff of the University and an inspiration to her students throughout her career, Jenny also gave back to her community.  She founded the Rockhampton Little Theatre Junior Group and directed many memorable productions.  In acknowledgement of her dedication, the Rockhampton Little Theatre honoured Jenny with life membership.

Sadly, Jenny died in late 2008 and it is on occasions like this that we realise what an extraordinary person she was.  She was a passionate teacher, a transformative educator, a vigorous researcher and, for her students and colleagues, she was an inspiration.  Jenny's son, Mr Jonathan Simpson, will accept this award on Jenny's behalf.