USQ Springfield commends first graduates

The first students to complete their studies at USQ's Springfield Campus will be recognised at a special ceremony on Friday (10 November) at 3pm.

USQ Vice Chancellor, Professor Bill Lovegrove will give his personal congratulations to the graduands during the ceremony that will take place in the Harvard Room on Level 6.

'It is quite an achievement to complete University studies, and being the first graduates of a particular Campus makes it an even more memorable occasion.  I look forward to congratulating the students, some of whom have travelled internationally to study with USQ,' Professor Lovegrove said.

USQ Springfield Campus Director, Doug Fraser, said the ceremony will be significant in the history of the Campus.

'Although not a formal graduation, as the students are yet to receive the results of their final exams, Friday's ceremony is significant in recognising an important milestone in USQ Springfield's history,' Mr Fraser said.

'The ceremony will acknowledge USQ Springfield's first graduates, a number being international students.

'In time the graduation ceremonies will grow but it will be 2009 when the size of these will swell with the first undergraduates receiving their degrees.'

More than 10 postgraduate students will be recognised at the ceremony, having completed either a Master or Postgraduate Certificate in Project Management or a Postgraduate Certificate in Management, as well as studies in Public Relations.

One of those students is Liam Payne, who completed a Master of Project Management.

Liam works as a Project Manager for OneSteel and said the experience of studying at USQ Springfield had been great.

'I looked into doing the Master of Project Management at USQ Springfield because I'd previously completed an MBA and wanted further education within business, in terms of strategy planning and implementation,' he siad. 

'Many other universities offer Project Management in the Engineering or Built Environment Faculties, but at USQ Springfield it is offered in the Business Faculty'.

Liam said he particularly liked the intensive mode workshops which allowed him to complete his studies while working full time (and renovating his house).

'From a personal perspective, the value from on campus study at USQ Springfield included interaction with other students on the practical application of theory in their particular business environment, as well as the opportunity to increase a network with like-minded individuals,' Liam said.

'In terms of professional development, benefits included further understanding of Project Management as a discipline for myself and OneSteel, and the ability to utilise what I have learned for business enhancement and capability improvement.

'It feels great to be one of the first graduates from USQ Springfield for the personal and professional value, as well as the ability to assist and advocate USQ as a provider in education on Project Management into the future.'

WHAT:  USQ Springfield hosts afternoon tea for first graduates
WHERE: Level 6 Balcony, USQ Springfield, Sinnathamby Blvd, Springfield
WHEN:  Friday, 10 November at 3pm

Media Contact: Fiona Taylor, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2559 or +61 423 808 462