A special ceremonial meeting of Senate was held at Queensland Parliament House, to mark the date, 100 years ago, that legislation was passed to enact the creation of The University of Queensland. The date, 10/12/09, coincided with the sesquicentenary of the State of Queensland.

Senators and guests were addressed by the University's official Visitor, Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Penelope Wensley and by the State Premier (and alumna), Hon. Anna Bligh. Portions of the debate on the Act in 1909 were re-enacted by Executive Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof Richard Fotheringham, along with Prof Paul Bailes and Prof Fred D'Agastino. The event, held in the Red Chamber, was video-recorded.

The meeting was followed by dinner in the Premier's and Speaker's banquet hall, where SDVC Prof Mick Keniger spoke of UQ past, Chancellor Mr John Story spoke about UQ present, and VC Prof Paul Greenfield mused on UQ future. Drawing parallels with the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in Dickens' tale 'A Christmas Carol', the joke was made, "where's scrooge?". In fine tradition, the names of former Secretary and Registrar Douglas Porter (who was present) and current Executive Director (Operations), Maurie McNarn were invoked in jovial reply.

Guests at the event included current, former external and incoming Senators and partners, members of the UQ executive, and former VC's Hay and Wilson. Unfortunately, former internal Senators were not invited - humbug!