The University of Queensland Ipswich campus will host two end-of-year graduation ceremonies this month to cater for its increasing student population.
Two separate ceremonies will be held at the Ipswich Civic Hall on Monday, December 12 for the 2005 graduands, spanning the four faculties of Arts; Business, Economics and Law; Engineering and Physical Architecture; and Social and Behavioural Sciences.
Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Rix said the increasing student population at the Ipswich Campus warranted the need for two separate ceremonies, to allow graduands and their families and University staff the opportunity to join together in celebration.
The Graduation ceremonies will also enhance the Campus’ relationship with the Ipswich business community, with two high-profile local businessmen set to act as guest speakers.
CEO of Ipswich telecommunications company iTEL Community Telco Ltd Paul Casos will act as guest speaker for the faculties of Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture and Social and Behavioural Sciences ceremony, which commences at 7pm.
Meanwhile, Daniel Sankey, Editor of Ipswich’s daily newspaper The Queensland Times, will share his vision for Ipswich at the Arts and Business, Economics and Law ceremony at 5pm.
Also looking forward to the graduation ceremonies are 2005 Ipswich valedictorians Peta-Ann Lewis and Adam Wagg.
Bachelor of Business Communication/Bachelor of Contemporary Studies dual degree student Peta-Ann Lewis is delighted to be named the 2005 valedictorian for the Arts/Business ceremony and thanked the staff and students at the Ipswich Campus for her memorable experience at university.
Originally from Cairns, Peta-Ann lived at Emmanuel College at the St Lucia Campus during her time at The University of Queensland and chose to study at the Ipswich Campus due to its specialised learning environment.
“The small class sizes, personal attention form lectures and other staff members and facilities are excellent at the Ipswich Campus,” she said.
Peta-Ann plans to enjoy a short break until early in the new year where she plans to fulfil her goal of putting the theory learnt at university into practice working in advertising and marketing for a fashion or sporting apparel agency.
Fellow graduand Adam Wagg also plans to utilise the skills acquired at university to pursue a career in teaching.
The Bachelor of Behavioural Studies/Bachelor of Education (Middle Years of Schooling) dual degree student said he planned to combine work as a teacher with his impending travel to the United Kingdom early next year.
He said he would miss the many friends made whilst at university, but was looking forward to the opportunities his degree and travel will provide.
“I’ve enjoyed the people at the Ipswich Campus,” he said.
“The staff are so friendly and helpful and the students are down-to-earth and understanding.”
The 2005 Ipswich Graduation ceremonies will be held at 5pm and 7pm on Monday, 12 December at the Ipswich Civic Hall, cnr Limestone and Nicholas streets, Ipswich.
Media: Ipswich Marketing & Development Manager Loretta Porche on 3381 1068.
