CQU Gladstone's latest graduation ceremony (Thursday, May 22) included a special award for a long-time supporter of the University and community.

CQU conferred the Honorary Award of Companion of the University on former long-serving Mayor Peter Corones during the ceremony at the Gladstone Entertainment Centre.

Peter Corones (centre) is congratulated by the Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor

The citation for the award pointed out that:

"Peter Corones' recent retirement as Mayor of Gladstone City Council marked the end of a long and distinguished career in local government.  Peter's career with the Council began as an Alderman, serving two terms from 1985 to 1991, before he retired to concentrate on the promotion and development effort for the Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd as General Manager. Elected as Mayor in 1994, Peter presided over a stable and efficient administration for 14 years.

"Always keen to be involved, Peter served on several committees including the Gladstone/Calliope Aerodrome Board, the City Council Finance Committee, the Administration Committee, to name a few.  However, it was as General Manager and Director of the Gladstone Promotion Bureau, a position he held since the Bureau's inception in 1983, that his presence and infectious enthusiasm were most apparent.  As General Manager for seven years, he was directly responsible for the promotion of Gladstone's new image, profiling the city for industrial and tourism development and pursuing its goal to make Gladstone a better place to live, visit and invest.

The ceremonial mace is carried by Val Cleary - Part-time STEPS and BLM Lecturer on the Gladstone Campus

"Prior to his resignation, Peter was the chairman of the transitional committee overseeing the development of the framework for the amalgamation of the Gladstone City, Calliope Shire and Miriam Vale Shire and there will be many who regret that he did not contest the leadership of the new Gladstone Regional Council.  

"Peter has been a highly valued member of the University's Gladstone Advisory Committee for many years. It is for that strong support, as well as for his vigorous promotion of Gladstone's potential for development at regional, national and international levels, that Peter Corones deserves the honorary award of Companion of the University."

Before the ceremony, the 55 participating graduates and the campus academics took part in the traditional procession along Goodoon Street.

The guest address was delivered by CQU's Professor Jennelle Kyd, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation).

On behalf of the graduates, Androula Vouvoulis delivered the closing address.

The ceremony was officiated by Chancellor Rennie Fritschy and Vice-Chancellor Professor John Rickard.

Musical interludes were presented by the Chanel College Choir and vocalist Brent Lanzon.

Refreshments were served at the Leo Zussino Building on the CQU Gladstone Campus, after the ceremony.

The colourful procession