Students of digital age take to the stage
CQUniversity recently hosted its Mackay graduation ceremony, honouring the dedication and perseverance of 150 graduates from a diverse range of discipline areas.
For many graduates, the ceremony marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives as they enter their careers with knowledge, skills and a sense of purpose to succeed.
The ceremony saw CQUniversity’s first cohort of Diploma of Business in the Digital Age students graduate.
More than a dozen students completed the pioneering course, which was developed in collaboration between CQUniversity, BHP and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
CQUniversity Deputy Dean (Learning and Teaching), Associate Professor Anthony Weber said the course had prepared the new graduates to meet the needs of regional businesses.
“With digital literacy and generative AI identified as a priority across sectors, our Diploma of Business in the Digital Age has equipped these graduates with the expertise needed to thrive in the modern workforce,” he explained.
“This innovative approach fosters lifelong learning and cultivates transferable skills, positioning graduates for success in diverse employment opportunities and life scenarios."
Tracey Cuttriss-Smith was one of the graduating Advance Apprentices who attended the graduation ceremony.
The C-Res CEO praised the course for its innovative approach to educational frameworks, blending on-the-job training with higher education theory sessions.
The collaborative learning model allowed Ms Cuttriss-Smith to learn alongside her fellow Advance Apprentices from the Mackay region.
“We were all coming from the same pace and all working towards the same goals.
“This allowed us to support and bounce of each other. Learning things that I was only hearing about and how important they were to apply in my business,” Ms Cuttriss- Smith said.
“It is a course that anyone, at any age or any position should consider doing.”
The ceremony also featured inspiring speeches from distinguished guests and university officials, who highlighted the importance of education and lifelong learning.
General Manager Hay Point Port and Rail Operations, Ms Linda Murry delivered the guest speech.
As a graduate from CQU's Bachelor Science and Advanced Diploma of Applied Science, Ms Murry reflected on her experiences as a student.
"Today takes me back to over 20 years ago, when I was siting where you are today and feeling very nervous," she said.
"I can recall worrying if my hat was on straight, if I was going to fall up the steps, and most importantly do I shake first or take my degree first.
"But as I reflect, I think it is very important that as you walk across that stage, to feel the immense sense of pride for everything you have achieved."
CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Nick Klomp also commended the graduates for their hard work.
“Completing a qualification requires dedication, perseverance and determination, but it is also important to acknowledge the additional challenges our graduates have faced, and impressively overcome throughout their study journeys,” Professor Klomp said.
“They have juggled study, work and family commitments all at once. But despite these challenges, the graduates have persisted with resilience to seek solutions for their community and industries.”
