It was a fully
ticketed event and a crowd primarily of Family packed in to the UQ Centre.
Queensland
University takes great pride in its standing in the world referring to itself as
being a Top 100 University and a Top 50 University for those with 10,000
students or more.
Its
traditions are further on show by way of the quite stunning sandstone
buildings.
However, I was both
surprised and impressed with the overt ceremonious nature of the Graduation
Ceremony.
It was just
a little bit “Royal” although there was no playing of the National Anthem.
The University Senate
paraded in full regalia and took up their places on the stage with the
Chancellor taking centre stage in the “big chair’.
Every
speaker "tipped their lid" to the Chancellor prior to speaking. Very
traditional indeed.
I am not necessarily
one for such overt Pomp and Ceremony however, the speeches were all of a
digestible length and all delivered a message that was practical, relevant and respectful.
The
graduating students' were the stars of the show and were definitely made to feel they
were a part of something special. They had good reason to be proud of their achievements’,
University and Alumni.
A quintet
provided a musical interlude and the programme concluded with an exit parade by
the Senate.
I suspect
the ceremony we witnessed was very much as it would have been some 100 years
ago.
I did
however find myself being just a little amused by the new marketing theme of
Queensland University which is “Create Change”.
But not in
the Law and Business School.
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