A former POW and the first US Ambassador to Vietnam since the end of the Vietnam War, Douglas “Pete” Peterson will receive an Honorary Doctorate from Charles Sturt University (CSU) at a graduation ceremony commencing at 10.30am, tomorrow Wednesday 5 April.  As a US Air Force pilot during the Vietnam War, “Pete” Peterson spent six and a half years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. The University will also present the award of Companion of the University to Ian Dean from 10.30am on Thursday 6 April for his strong support of the pharmacy program at CSU and its aims to educate and retain pharmacists for rural and regional Australia. Almost 2 200 graduates from the five Faculties will receive their degrees during six ceremonies at CSU in Wagga Wagga from Wednesday 5 April to Friday 7 April. Three outstanding graduates will receive the University Medal for their academic achievements. They include Bachelor of Nursing graduate Colleen Alphonso from Wagga Wagga and Bachelor of Health Science (Mental Health) Catherine Powell from Lismore from 10.30am on Thursday 6 April and Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) Ben Ovenden from Carrathool on 10.30am Friday 7 April.