There were plenty of smiles, hugs, and happy tears at the MECC last Thursday as more than 150 local students graduated from CQUniversity.
The 2025 graduation ceremony brought together proud families, friends, and supporters, all eager to cheer on their loved ones as they crossed the stage – marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
This year's graduates came from a wide range of fields, including medical sonography, education, psychology, music, nursing, accounting and digital media, showcasing the diverse talents being nurtured right here in the region.
Among the highlights of the day were the achievements of three Indigenous graduates, who received their testamurs, and two students who earned their PhDs.
CQU Deputy Chancellor Sheila Houston challenged graduates to continue to learn, aspire to more, find joy and give generously to others.
“My career has given me more than I could have imagined on the day I crossed my own graduation stage in Kansas,” she said.
“Whether your path takes you exactly where you want to go, or somewhere different entirely, please pause today to reflect on the journey to here, and the challenges and triumphs you’ve already experienced.”
St Patrick’s College teacher Harry O’Connell recently graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Secondary), majoring in maths and science, after four years of study with CQU while based in Mackay.
“I’ve always just been very interested in maths, and within science, specifically chemistry,” he said.
“They were the two subjects when I was at school that I really enjoyed and really understood and resonated with.”
For Harry, crossing the stage marked the end of a long and meaningful chapter.
“It was pretty surreal at times, like that’s something I’d been working towards for so long,” he reflected.
“So many different people helped me along the way here and there, and just finally standing there and knowing, ‘I’m done. I’ve made it. I’ve ticked that off my list,’ definitely felt pretty surreal at times.”
He added, “I think it was very beautiful seeing how much of that actual community spirit they brought into the graduation ceremony.”
As these graduates step into their next chapter, they carry not only their qualifications, but also the potential to shape industries, strengthen communities, and drive innovation and opportunity across the Mackay region.
More than 150 proud CQUniversity students graduated at the MECC last Thursday, celebrating achievements across diverse fields and marking a bright new chapter for the Mackay region. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara/Photos supplied
Publishers Indemnity. Any individual or entity that places advertising, supplies copy material, or submits editorial content to Core Life Publishing agrees and undertakes to ensure that all such material:- Does not infringe upon any copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights;- Is free from any content that could be considered defamatory, libelous, or slanderous;- Does not infringe upon any rights related to privacy or breach of confidence;- Contains no obscene, indecent, or otherwise unlawful material;- Complies fully with the Trade Practices Act and all other applicable laws, regulations, or statutes.Furthermore, by submitting or placing such material, these individuals or entities agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd, and/or its agents from and against any and all investigations, claims, demands, liabilities, damages, costs, or judgments arising out of or in connection with the material provided. All material is believed to be accurate at the time of printing and remains the copyright of Core Publishing and Events Pty Ltd.
© 2024 Mackay and Whitsunday Life Pty Ltd.
