Generations of success

By Lucy Stafford

When Peter McLarty crossed the CQUniversity graduation stage in 2002, his young son Jayden proudly watched from the crowd, a moment their family has talked about for more than two decades.

Now, on 9 December in Bundaberg, it will be Jayden’s turn to graduate from the very same university, marking a special second-generation milestone for the family.
Peter first began his CQU journey studying a Bachelor of Information Technology, later returning to undertake further postgraduate study while working on a major University systems upgrade in Rockhampton in 2007.

He said graduating as the first in his immediate family to complete a university degree was a defining moment.

“It was surreal. My parents were there and having Jayden so excited to wear my cap and gown has stayed with us ever since,” Peter said.

“To finally walk across that stage felt like everything was coming together.”

For Peter, watching his son now follow in his footsteps brings a deep sense of pride.

“It’s been a real journey for him. To see him graduate from any university would be a huge achievement but for it to be CQU, when he had plenty of other options, is a bit of magic,” he said.

“I know how much confidence a degree can give you, especially when you’re working while you study. Seeing that same opportunity open up for him is really special.”

Over the years, Peter has shared plenty of guidance about life as a university student — choosing units, balancing work and study and the value of higher education — though he’s always encouraged Jayden to make his own way.

Those early stories clearly stuck with Jayden.

“One thing I remember clearly is wearing Dad’s graduation robe and cap before his ceremony,” Jayden said.

“It was inspiring, and the fact that we still have the photo makes graduating myself feel even more surreal.

“Right now, feels like the perfect picture of generational success. I was there for my dad’s graduation, now celebrating my own with my son who is about the same age I was back then. That makes this moment even more special.” 

Jayden will graduate with a Bachelor of Information Technology, majoring in Network and Security, a path influenced not only by his dad’s experience, but also by CQU’s flexibility.

“I chose CQUniversity because I knew it was a good university from my father’s experience and studying online while working full-time was perfect for me,” he said.
Working with the Queensland Government as a DevOps Engineer, Jayden is focused on modernising critical finance systems and expanding his knowledge in post-quantum cryptography.

And just like his father, he’s already thinking about the next generation.

“I’m proud to be a second-generation CQU graduate. I regularly tell people I’m following in my father’s footsteps,” he said.

“I’d absolutely recommend CQU to my kids one day, it’s been a great environment to learn and grow.”

For Peter, the idea of a continuing CQU family tradition is a point of happiness rather than expectation.

“I won’t say no if my grandkids choose CQU. Who knows what the world will look like in the future, but if CQU continues offering the same high standard of education and outcomes, I’d be thrilled to see a third generation walk that stage.”

As the Bundaberg graduation approaches, the family is looking forward to creating a new moment that may one day inspire yet another little graduate dressed in a big cap and gown.

Bundaberg Graduation Ceremony will be held on 9 December. Explore courses and study opportunities at CQUniversity.