In February 2025, we farewelled a new cohort of graduates who made a mark on Bond University. The celebrations were tinged with tears as Bondies, family and friends honoured Zach Morrissey.
Zachary William Morrissey, 26, was the man everyone loved to love. So much so that one of his best mates Cam Nicholson wrote a song about him in the final week of Zach’s life. Called Forever 26, Cam penned the words during the time he spent beside Zach’s hospital bed where he joined a band of nearly a dozen family and friends questioning why they were about to lose someone so special.
Zach’s passing on October 17, 2024 due to brain cancer left behind a huge group of adoring family and friends, many of whom gathered at Bond University in February, 2025 for an emotional graduation ceremony.
During the presentation in front of hundreds of students, staff and families, Zach's father Paul held a framed photo of his late son and fought back tears as he recalled “an exceptional human being” who always wanted to fight for the people.
“His motto was, 'don’t give up, get better'. His legacy is just so broad.”
His mother Tracey carried Zach’s personal paraphernalia as they made their way on to the stage to receive a posthumous Bachelor of Jurisprudence, reflecting their son’s love and study of the law. The presentation was witnessed by close friends Molly and Daniel Flynn, Georgia Benjamin and Macey and Blake Bishop who described it as a day of mixed emotions.
Georgia Benjamin, Tracey Morrissey, Molly and Daniel Flynn.
Georgia Benjamin, Tracey Morrissey, Molly and Daniel Flynn.
These were also the friends who spent Zach’s final days by his bedside sharing jokes, prayers and pain, questioning why they were losing their son and friend. They had been on the wild ride with Zach since his diagnosis aged 21, and were there when he passed.
Paul and Tracey said the affable former The Southport School graduate easily made friends, kept in touch with them often, and had a lifelong passion to study law and fight for the underdog. Tracey said she and Paul “can’t say enough” about the decision by Bond University to award Zach his degree and invite them and his friends to the ceremony. “It’s a very special day,” Tracey said.
Tracey and Paul Morrissey.
Tracey and Paul Morrissey.
His friend Daniel Flynn said Zach would be “looking down and be proud to get his degree” and there was he “would have changed the world”. Many would argue he already has.
Farewell to our February 2025 graduates
Original thinking direct to your inbox
Stories from Bond
