Graduands at the Millennium Hotel ceremony on Friday received diplomas in hospitality management, higher hospitality management diplomas in association with Cesar Ritz Colleges in Switzerland, and in adventure tourism management.
Before the ceremony started, QRC chairman Eion Edgar asked for a moment's silence as a mark of respect for the people of Christchurch, then the national anthem was sung by the St Joseph's School choir.
He commended graduands not only on their achievements, but also the work they would be doing for New Zealand.
Their careers would help get the most out of the huge tourism opportunities created by events such as the Rugby World Cup, Mr Edgar said, and would also make a "crucial contribution to the recovery of the local economy".
The graduation address was made by deputy chairwoman of Michael Hill International, Emma Hill.
She told graduands of finding her ambition to one day become chairwoman of her father's jewellery chain, the struggles she had overcome, and the lessons she had learnt along the way.
The advice she offered came in two parts.
First, "know where you want to go . . . it makes making decisions pretty easy", and secondly: "It will be tough".
"Life is not going to be easy to get to the top and there is one thing you are going to have to do, and that is persevere and never ever give up.
Ms Hill spoke in lieu of Tertiary Education Minister Steven Joyce, who had to attend Friday's Christchurch memorial service.
