Graduation “just a beginning”
Creating history, by invitation of President Dr Jeannie Trudel, the 2019 Graduation Address was given by Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Cr Adrian Schrinner to a filled Auditorium at Citipointe Church.
In a common-sense, yet profound address, the Lord Mayor told the assembly, “I have sat where you are seated”, a moving reference to his on-campus schooling years at Citipointe Christian College.
Cr Schrinner followed, reminding graduands they may not necessarily fulfil their current dream, but to stay the course and see what happens, explaining with his own example: he had started out with one thing in mind, but now finds himself doing something quite different.
The Lord Mayor, in another first, also referred to a civic occasion earlier the same day when he presented the Keys to the City of Brisbane to Red Frogs founder, Pastor Andy Gourley who was present at Graduation. It was two moving ceremonies for Andy, known affectionately as “Boss Frog”, as both his daughter and niece were among the CHC graduates, Cr Schrinner further noting Andy was only the 47th recipient of the Keys.
CHC is a tertiary member of Associated Christian Schools, which has as its tag line, Christian education for the common good. Those familiar with Queensland Christian education will know this is a developing theme for both ACS and CHC.
An example of how Christian idealism serving the common good finds expression at CHC was remarkable in the comments of Dr Stephen Beaumont (Dean of Social Sciences). As is the custom at CHC, the Deans in turn introduce each graduand to the President, and make a few comments about what inspires them.
It was notable, how graduand after graduand was motivated to pursue their studies in the interest of the common good:
- … has a passion for helping people suffering from addiction and mental health issues through Counselling.
- … ‘s passion for journeying with, and supporting the vulnerable people within our community has continued to develop over her time at CHC. During her studies … has been working as an aged carer and as a disability support worker for both children and youth.
- … has been working in the Domestic Violence sector for two years as a Counsellor and Court Advocate. She finds this work rewarding and is grateful for the opportunity to develop her therapeutic skills alongside her passion for advocacy. Amy found her study journey at CHC deeply transformative in surprising in welcoming ways…
- After completing the Diploma of Social Justice at CHC and accomplishing a life-changing month mission’s trip in Cambodia with She Rescue Home in 2014, … knew that she wanted to complete the Bachelor of Counselling to understand how to better serve others in a hurting world.
- … has thrived at her placement at a community centre in … where she is developing a Community Counselling Program to provide mental health support to highly vulnerable members of society. … feels immensely blessed by the encouragement received during her time at CHC and appreciates the professional & personal development that is woven together with the threads of spiritual growth. With her passion for people affected by attachment trauma, … aspires to continue to work in the field of adoption & community mental health support.
- …’s completion of studies in Neuropsychotherapy at CHC is the last step in a long journey, with previous University studies in Education at the University of New England and Psychology at Swinburne University of Technology. An experienced senior health educator and program manager for Government and community organizations, … is currently managing community mental health programs for people with severe and chronic mental health challenges, for a local non-for-profit organisation.
The mission of Jesus in the world continues to be served powerfully by motivated people like these CHC graduates.