Fraser Coast May Graduation 2008
Traffic came to a standstill in Maryborough on Saturday afternoon as 150 graduands and academics processed through the city to the Brolga Theatre for the 2008 USQ Fraser Coast graduation ceremony.
During the ceremony 118 students from five faculties received their degrees and diplomas from USQ Chancellor Bobbie Brazil.
Many had travelled from as far away as Canberra and North Queensland to attend the ceremony.
Forty-nine of the graduates received Bachelor of Education degrees and 45 received Bachelor of Nursing degrees. Others received degrees from the faculties of Arts, Sciences Business and Engineering.
The University Medal was awarded to Maryborough woman Jacque Bates. The award recognises exceptional academic achievement.
Jacque, who is now a teacher at Aldridge High, started her degree after raising her three children. Having only reached year 11 at school, she did a Tertiary Preparation Program at USQ Fraser Coast with the assistance of a scholarship.
'I couldn't have done it without the USQ scholarship,' she said.
The valedictory speech was presented by Jane Seng, of Yeppoon. Jane received a Bachelor of Nursing degree with distinction.
She also received the Faculty of Sciences Medal and the Faculty of Sciences Prize.
The guest speaker was leading Australian scientist Prof Michael Gore.
Prof Gore is renowned for his role as founder of Australia's first interactive science centre, Questacon, and also as a scientific advisor to the television series Towards 2000.
He spoke about benefits of ‘a prepared mind' and serendipitous discoveries and outcomes.
'A university degree doesn't give you all the knowledge you need for the rest of your life,' he said.
'What you have acquired during the last three or four years is a prepared mind. A mind which is ready to recognise opportunities when they present themselves, opportunities that will make a difference.'
Prof Gore physically saluted the graduates at the close of his speech.
Media Contact: Katrina Corcoran, USQ Media +61 7 4120 6167