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The University of the Sunshine Coast celebrates Graduation 2004
April 16, 2004
The University of the Sunshine Coast will celebrate the graduation of more than 640 students at a gala ceremony tomorrow night (Friday April 16 at 6pm).
The Graduating Class of 2004 comprises graduates from 45 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Held at the Innovation Centre at the Sippy Downs campus the event is the largest on the University's calendar and marks the end of years of study and hard work for the graduates.
They will receive their awards from the University Chancellor, Ian Kennedy, AO, in front of an audience filled with family and friends.
Students have travelled from around the world to attend the ceremony, including a cohort of Master of Business Administration graduates from Shanghai.
The Graduation Address will be delivered by Everald Compton, AM, who will receive an Honorary Senior Fellowship during the ceremony for his contributions toward establishing the National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre at the University.
Other Honorary Senior Fellow recipients are former Sunshine Coast architects Kerry and Lindsay Clare and Bloomhill Cancer Help founder Margaret Gargan.
The efforts of University staff are also recognised at the ceremony. For the first time there are joint recipients of the Vice-Chancellor's Medal for Outstanding University Teacher - Professor Michael Harker and Dr David McKay.
Scientist Dr Helen Wallace receives the Vice-Chancellor's Medal for Outstanding University Researcher for her research on the reproduction of plants. Dr Wallace is credited for bringing more than $400,000 in research funding to the University.
Environmental Science graduate Brad Byrne will address the audience on behalf of all graduating students after receiving the Chancellor's Medal for his contribution to his fellow students, the University and the community.
Eight students will receive distinguished academic records at the ceremony, including Lee-Ann Bye, Alison Hartwell Smith and Samantha Jane Frew, all awarded the University Medal for the highest grade point average in their faculties.
The Graduating Class of 2004 brings the University of the Sunshine Coast's alumni body to more than 2500.