USQ celebrates 50 years of engineering education Thursday, 12 October 2017

The University of Southern Queensland has recently celebrated their 50th year of providing high-quality education in the fields of engineering and surveying.

Engineering has formed one of the University’s foundation disciplines since its inception in 1967, when the University was known as the Queensland Institure of Technology Darling Downs. Following these beginnings, USQ’s engineering segment has grown from a selection of diploma courses to now encompass two schools with over 4,000 students currently enrolled.

At an official anniversary function held at USQ Toowoomba on September 28th, the anniversary was celebrated by current and past staff, including Dean of Engineering, Professor Emeritus Tom Ledwidge, and incumbent heads of school Professor Kevin McDougall and Associate Professor Tony Ahfock.

The celebration was opened by Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie, who reflected on the achievements of USQ in engineering education for the last 50 years.

“Engineering was a foundation discipline when USQ, then known as the Queensland Institute of Technology Darling Downs, commenced in 1967,” Professor Mackenzie said.

“Since then, the University’s alumni in engineering, surveying, urban and regional planning and construction management have influenced and contributed to business, government and communities across Australia and internationally.”

Looking towards the future, Professor Mackenzie said that USQ would look to continue their trend of delivering engineering graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed in their desired field.

“Our predecessors have laid a strong foundation for us to educate future generations of engineers, agricultural scientists, surveyors, and urban and regional planners,” she said.

“Our Engineering degrees are fully-accredited through Engineers Australia, and are recognised worldwide.”