Graduations are a special time for all involved, but for the Stephenson family, today's UQ graduations will be especially memorable.
Mother and daughter duo Birgitta and Laura Stephenson will join more than 900 others in receiving their degrees at today's UQ graduation ceremonies.
Birgitta, who holds a Pharmacy degree and will graduate with a double major in Archaeology and Laura, who has earned a Bachelor of Psychology with honours, said studying together was a rewarding experience.
"As fellow students we became attuned to each others' deadlines, knew when the other needed a hot cup of tea and activities such as information searches became almost like a competition to see who was most efficient," Birgitta said.
Birgitta and Laura join the rest of the Stephenson family in their UQ studentship tradition, with Dad graduating from Design Studies in 1982 and Architecture in 1985, Granddad from Medicine in 1959 and second eldest daughter Eloise currently studying a Science degree.
"When my other daughter (Eloise) and I shared a subject earlier this year, tutorials became a forum for airing family issues, but strictly in the third person," Birgitta said.
"And the glare of a mother when her daughter arrived late would have been enough to scare the entire class."
Birgitta said the inspiration for studying later in life came about during volunteer-based archaeological digs and time spent in UQ's archaeology labs.
"I was able to investigate so many unanswered questions: who made Australia's ancient stone artefacts, why were they shaped in such a way and how has the world changed since they were made?."
Birgitta's graduation also marks her completion of a degree started, but not finished, by her late friend, Valerie Darlington, who received a cancer diagnosis in her final semester.
"I have often been spurred on by the thought of Val, especially when it all seemed too hard," Birgitta said.
"She was a strong lady with a quiet determination and I have always felt a fierce desire to finish this degree for her."
Birgitta describes the UQ study experience as a tradition in itself and a firm educational foundation to prepare for the world ahead.
"There is something reassuring about a UQ degree, it was the original institution of higher learning, its value never diminishes with time and it is an esteemed achievement at any age," she said.
"I am lucky enough to have incredibly supportive kids and a husband who has never questioned me trying a bit of everything, however my family has said they are leaving home when I return to do my honours!."
The graduation ceremonies for the Faculty of Arts and Social & Behavioural Sciences will be held in the UQ Centre at St Lucia campus today.
Media: Melanie Sullivan at UQ Communications (0439 366 001).
