UQ pays tribute to civil engineers

UQ has honoured its Civil Engineering graduates from 1955 at the launch of a book of their life stories.

Civil 55 documents the diverse and colourful achievements of the group, who, since 1955 have made many contributions to the planning and building of essential infrastructure during a time of unprecedented population growth.

Their members worked on and oversaw many projects including the development of the Merivale Rail Bridge over the Brisbane River (John Snelling), the Brisbane Administration Centre Precinct located between Brisbane City Hall and George St (Eric Bishop) and the Kingfisher Bay resort on Fraser Island (Philip Breene).

Shared experiences as UQ undergraduates provided the foundation for the association, which has seen the 24 members of the graduating class of 1955 meet up every year for more than half a century.

A Civil 55 spokesperson, Mr Philip Breene, said the group's formation had profoundly enriched the lives of its members.

"This network has been important because of the fellowship and friendship it has provided us as we have progressed through our lives and careers," Mr Breene said.

"Each other's achievements have been a source of great pleasure for the group over the years."

The stories within Civil 55 include that of Jock McLean, the eldest graduating student and prisoner of war in Borneo during WWII, Kevin Stark, who went on to become Pro-Vice Chancellor (Science and Engineering) of James Cook University and Reginald Tanna who later became General Manger of the Gladstone Port Authority.

UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Michael Keniger said the graduates' contribution to the development of Queensland and Australia was significant.

"In addition to their outstanding work as engineers, the civil engineering graduates of 1955 have provided a fascinating account of their part in Queensland's social and engineering history," Professor Keniger said.

"The University of Queensland is proud to have been a part of their successful and diverse careers."

The members of Civil 55 also used the launch to present a portrait of one of their lecturers, Professor Colin O'Connor, to the UQ School of Engineering.

Copies of Civil 55 are available from the UQ Bookshop.

Media: Kim Jensen from the School of Engineering, (07 3346 9976, k.jensen@uq.edu.au)