Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Orange will celebrate the achievements of more than 200 students at the annual graduation ceremony this week.

234 students are eligible to graduate from 49 programs on Tuesday 15 December. 185 students are due to attend the ceremony and are expected to be joined by more than 500 guests.

The awards will be conferred on students by Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann. The ceremony will begin at 3pm at Kinross Wolaroi School.

Ceremony highlights include:

Occasional Address

The Occasional Address will be delivered by Professor of Economics Kevin Parton from CSU's School of Management and Marketing in Orange. He will also be receiving an honorary award during the ceremony.

Honorary award

Professor Parton will be presented with the honorary title of Emeritus Professor of the University in recognition of his research leadership and the significant role he has played in furthering knowledge and improving outcomes for local, national and international communities. He has been an outstanding role model as an academic leader and his success in driving many of CSU's initiatives over the past decade is commended. Professor Parton has been an active contributor to research and teaching excellence at CSU since his appointment in 2006.

Doctor of Science

Professor Geoff Gurr from CSU's School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences in Orange is a world expert on biological pest control and has published more than 120 research papers. Professor Gurr will be awarded a Doctor of Science in recognition of his substantial, original and sustained contribution to scientific knowledge beyond that required for a PhD. This is only the second time this degree has been awarded in CSU's history.

Student highlights include:

Mr Liam Abbey and Mr Jack Archer

Mr Abbey and Mr Archer will graduate from the Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours). In 2015 they both used volunteers from the local Orange community to investigate treatments for diabetic neuropathy after discovering the prevalence of diabetes during their hospital placements. With their honours projects now complete, the students are hoping to apply their research and physiotherapy knowledge in their next endeavours; Mr Abbey will be working as a Physiotherapist at Blue Mountains Hospital and Mr Archer will be studying medicine.

Mr Matthew Hedge

Mr Hedge will graduate from the Bachelor of Dental Science and will be delivering the Vote of Thanks at the ceremony on behalf of all students. Mr Hedge has accepted an offer of employment in Port Macquarie for 2016.