Spring Graduation links campus to community

More than 1200 University of Southern Queensland (USQ) staff and graduates brightened up the Toowoomba CBD on Saturday (8 September 2007) with ceremonial regalia during a procession from the City Hall to the Empire Theatre for the Spring Graduations.

High profile members of the community, including local Mayors and former USQ Honorary Doctorate recipients also marched in the procession, that marked 40 years of engagement between the University and the Toowoomba community.

The Toowoomba Municipal Band and the Town Crier, Mr Ralph Cockle, led the procession followed by USQ Chancellor, Bobbie Brazil.

'Graduations are an incredibly important event for universities and it's wonderful to share some of that excitement and ceremony with the Toowoomba community, as we celebrate 40 years as a provider of higher education,' Mrs Brazil said.

'As the largest employer in Toowoomba, USQ contributes heavily to the social, cultural and financial fabric of the community and our Spring Graduation procession is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the links between town and gown.'

One of the highlights of the graduation was the presentation of Honorary Doctoral Degrees to Mrs Mary Wagner at the morning ceremony and Mr Maha Sinnathamby in the afternoon.

'The University confers the honorary degree of Doctor of the University only after great forethought and deliberation. It is a rare honor awarded to those who have provided distinguished service to the community and/or the University,' said the Chancellor.

'Mary Wagner's association with USQ spans many years and she is known within the University community as a persuasive and bountiful supporter of this institution.'

Chairman of Springfield Land Corporation, Maha Sinnathamby, was also presented with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University during the afternoon graduations.

'Through the Springfield Land Corporation, Maha commenced discussions with USQ in 2001 which resulted in the establishment of a partnership to develop Education City at Springfield.

'A major outcome of this partnership has been the opening of the USQ Springfield Campus, which commenced operations from Semester 1 2006.

'The partnership has assisted USQ to secure a strong student base in the greater Brisbane area, and will enable the USQ Springfield Campus to grow and prosper into the future.'

Bachelor of Education (Primary) graduate, Lynette June Shum, received the University Medal. Six research Doctoral students graduated from the morning ceremony and five in the afternoon ceremony.

A video of the Spring Graduations is available on the USQ My Graduation website.

Media Contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092