April 12, 2018

Inspiring students take centre stage at autumn graduation celebrations

Ceremonies recognise next generation of leaders in medicine, education, arts

A week of graduation celebrations at the University of Wollongong will kick off today (from Tuesday April 17 to Friday April 20) as more than 1500 students prepare to farewell their tertiary studies and take their knowledge to the world.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students from three faculties – Law, Humanities and the Arts; Science, Medicine and Health; and Social Sciences – will celebrate their graduation at seven ceremonies held over four days.

The ceremonies will recognise the outstanding achievements and personal triumphs of students from a diversity of academic fields, including creative arts, health, education, law, and geography.

Former UOW Deputy Chancellor Dr Stephen Andersen OAM will be recognised with an Honorary Doctorate this morning. Dr Andersen has a deep commitment to the University and, among his many contributions, he played an integral role in promoting and supporting health and medical research and teaching programs.

Among those students who are ready to make an impact on the world will be Lachlan Auld, who has completed a Bachelor of Laws from the Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts. Lachlan has a real passion for the law, and has a long list of achievements from his time at University. He is the first in his family to attend university, after being home-schooled for much of his education. Lachlan, who comes from a small town in regional NSW, has secured a prestigious High Court Associateship with Justice Virginia Bell.

Love will be in the air at today’s ceremonies, when husband and wife team, Dr Virginia Marshall and Paul Marshall, celebrate their dual graduations. Virginia, who already has seven degrees to her name and is a prominent activist for Indigenous water rights, has completed a Graduate Certificate in Laws, while her husband, Paul, has finished his Masters in Environmental Science.

Later in the week, student Elizabeth Baxa will have reached the end of her studying journey after a long, tough road. Elizabeth, who has completed a Bachelor of Media and Communication Studies, suffered a massive brain haemorrhage just two years into her degree, at the age of 20. Eight years later, after learning to walk, talk, and write again, Elizabeth is ecstatic to be graduating.

The University’s outstanding PhD research will also be in the spotlight this week. Dr Matthew Rees, from the School of Biological Sciences, has focused on improving the design of Marine Protected Areas and how they contribute to conserving biodiversity. Dr Laura Robinson, from the School of Psychology, has examined the importance of supportive workplaces in preventing burnout in working mothers. Dr Cinthya Wibisono from the School of Medicine, who will deliver the student remarks in this morning's ceremony, has looked at the impact of food choice on diet quality during weight loss.

During the autumn ceremonies, a number of top students will receive University Medals, which recognise the students who have achieved the top marks in their school or faculties. 

Since its foundation, UOW has awarded more than 140,000 degrees and diplomas.