USC will stage four graduation ceremonies at the Matthew Flinders Performance Centre in Buderim on Thursday 28 September, with crowds totalling 1,700 expected to attend.

More than 400 graduates will cross the stage to receive awards at these celebrations, the University’s final graduation ceremonies for the year following nine similar events in April.

There will be plenty of pomp and ceremony, including academic processions, the presentation of honorary awards, and the awarding of medals to high-achieving students and staff.

USC’s new Chancellor Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC will confer degrees and certificates on graduands at the ceremonies starting at 9am, noon, 3pm and 6pm.

The University will award Honorary Doctorates to renowned poet and U3A teacher Dr Bruce Dawe AO and to Fraser Island Defenders Organisation founder John Sinclair AO.

Coolum signwriter Steve Hall will receive an Honorary Senior Fellowship for his continued support of USC’s Design study program, while retiring USC Head of School of Social Sciences Professor Doug Mahar will become an Emeritus Professor.

The graduation ceremonies will be video-streamed live on the USC website.

— Terry Walsh