The University of the Sunshine Coast will stage nine graduation ceremonies from April 5-7 to celebrate the academic achievements of almost 1,400 graduating students.

The ceremonies will be held at the Matthew Flinders College Performance Centre at Buderim and will include the conferral of degrees, and special presentations to honorary award recipients and high-achieving students.

Crowds totalling 5,000 people are expected at these events.

USC will present an honorary doctorate to Free the Bears founder Mary Hutton, and honorary senior fellowships to philanthropists Rustum and Helen Sethna, former USC Deputy Chancellor David Jeffries and art donor Christopher Simon.

Former USC Art Gallery Curator Dawn Oelrich and former Director of Student Administration Patricia Allen will be recognised for their dedication to USC by being named as Distinguished Companions of the University.

USC Vice-Chancellor Professor Greg Hill said graduation ceremonies provided wonderful opportunities for the University and the wider community to celebrate the accomplishments of students.

The events will be video-streamed live on the USC website at www.usc.edu.au/graduation 

— Terry Walsh