Central Queensland University Sydney International Campus conducted its 15th graduation ceremony on 17 May 2002 at Sydney Town Hall. 250 students from 27 countries graduated. Faculties represented included Business and Law, Informatics and Communication, Education and Creative Arts, Arts Health & Sciences and Engineering and Physical Systems.

Town Hall, conveniently located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD near the new Sydney Campus on Kent Street, provided a lovely venue. A fine example of high Victorian architecture and decoration, Town Hall features a magnificent wood-lined concert hall and exquisitely crafted stained-glass windows.

Graduates led the academic procession on-stage followed by a Scottish Piper. Each graduate proudly carried his or her country’s national flag.

Graduates, their families and friends, and visiting VIPs remarked on the pageantry of the occasion. The backdrop of National flags displayed on-stage provided a brilliant splash of colour, adding to the spectacle. The Grand Organ, installed in 1890, and played by the City Organist, Robert Ampt, added to the pomp and ceremony of the occasion.

The Grand Organ was built in London by William Hill and Son. It has 126 speaking stops and 14 couplers are spread over five manuals (Choir, Great, Swell, Solo, Echo) and pedals. There are approximately 8,700 pipes. The Organ has been described as “a marvel of excellence in both tone and mechanism”.

Choristers from St Andrew’s Cathedral School (SACS) also delighted the audience with a medley of songs prior to singing The Australian National Anthem. During the singing of the Anthem, the SACS choir was accompanied by Dimitri Kopanakis, a Baritone, Musical Director and Conductor in Residence from the CQU Conservatorium of Music. The guest speaker was Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir, AC, Governor of New South Wales (pictured). Her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, AC, OBE, accompanied her. Her Excellency Professor Bashir reflected on the synergies to be gained by bringing together people from diverse cultures in work and study endeavours. Highlighting the immense potential for fostering good in an environment that encourages dreams for a better world, Governor Bashir told graduates “never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world.” Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Glenice Hancock congratulated graduates on their achievements. “The ceremony marks the culmination of many years of hard work to achieve your goals,” said Professor Hancock.

The Vice Chancellor also told graduates to build on their Awards with a sense of integrity in everything they do. “CQU is a unique University whose family of students walk all countries and continents of the world,” she added.

Professor Hancock and Chancellor Hon. Justice Stan Jones wished graduates good luck for a wonderful future.

A solemn moment in the ceremony was the presentation of a Posthumous Bachelor of Information Technology Degree to the late Kittipop Buspakes, a highly regarded CQUSIC student. Professor Knight, President of Academic Board, presented the award to Kittipop’s cousin who flew to Sydney for the ceremony.