* CSU at Port Macquarie celebrates 131 graduating students on Monday 17 December * Family and friends invited to celebrate CSU graduands at graduation ceremoniesCharles Sturt University (CSU) in Port Macquarie congratulates the 131 students who will graduate at ceremonies held at the Glasshouse on Monday 17 December.CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Development and Industry) Professor Heather Cavanagh will preside over the two ceremonies.Professor Cavanagh said graduation is one of the highlights of the academic year and that she looked forward to welcoming graduates, their families, friends, and the community to celebrate this special event."I congratulate our graduating professionals on the successful completion of their studies with us,” Professor Cavanagh said.Professor Cavanagh said the University in Port Macquarie was growing and it was exciting to welcome more graduates from the region.“It’s rewarding to be involved in the education of the next generation who will stay on in the region and enrich their local community,” Professor Cavanagh said.CSU Bachelor of Criminal Justice graduate Ms Grace Stevens said graduation was the satisfying culmination of years spent studying, at a University with a personal touch.“With the smaller classes we got to have a closer relationship with our lecturers, so we were more comfortable asking questions and sitting down with them for one-on-one sessions,” Ms Stevens said.Guest Mr Neville Parsons will give the Occasional Address to the Faculty of Arts and Education ceremony. Mr Parsons is CEO and Director of the Holiday Coast Credit Union and is a Board Member and Deputy Chairman of the Mid North Coast Local Health District, as well as a Board member of NSW Life Education.Guest Mr Alan Morrison will give his Occasional Address to the Faculty of Science, and Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences ceremony. Mr Morrison is currently the Director Education for NSW Ambulance and Director of the Paramedic Education Program Accreditation Scheme for the Council of Ambulance Authorities.Local Aboriginal Elder Uncle Bill O’Brien (OAM) will conduct a Welcome to Country at both graduation ceremonies.Ceremonies location and timingThe graduation ceremonies will commence:* Faculty of Arts and Education - 9.30am* Faculty of Science and Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences – 2pmThe Glasshouse is located at 30-42 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie.