First physical education graduates return to UQ

More than 70 physical education graduates returned to where it all began at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia campus recently to celebrate being the inaugural graduates of the State’s first dedicated physical education program.

UQ’s School of Human Movement Studies provided the setting for the reunion where guests were treated to high-tea whilst reminiscing about their university days, making new friends, and catching up with those of old.

Set up in 1941 with £1000 from the Federal Government, the initial Certificate and then Diploma of Physical Education was designed to meet the emerging demand for professionally qualified physical education teachers.

Professor Doune Macdonald, Head of the School of Human Movement Studies, said many of the graduates had gone on to make a major contribution to health, physical education and recreation in Queensland and throughout Australia.

“We had gathered retired school heads of department, principals, teachers, academics, coaches, and policy advisors who paved the way for the multidisciplinary field of human movement studies to emerge in the early 1970’s,” Professor Macdonald said.

“The reunion was also a great opportunity to reflect on the birth and building of the physical education field of study and acknowledge the significant role the School plays in meeting the needs of individuals’ and communities’ participation in physical activity,” she said.

“Seventy years on, physical education is now an established area of tertiary education and of growing importance to the wider community.”

The reunion was held as part of the School’s 70 years celebrations, which includes a gala dinner on October 1.

To keep up to date with the school's 70th anniversary calendar, visit their events page.

Media: Caroline Day (07 3365 6764 or caroline.day@uq.edu.au)