October 14, 2021

Virtual graduation broadcast to recognise achievements, success of UOW students

Event includes traditional graduation elements, special guests, live content and more

The University of Wollongong will celebrate the achievements of its 2020 and 2021 graduating cohort, in the face of more than 18 months of adversity, with a virtual graduation ceremony on Thursday (14 October).

Close to 1000 students will join in the online celebration, which will include elements of traditional graduation ceremonies alongside live content and special guests.

The event will be hosted by Kumi Taguchi, host of SBS’s Insight and alumna of UOW, from a live broadcast studio in the UOW Hall, and will feature a special musical performance from Wollongong band, Hockey Dad, performing exclusively for graduates direct from UOW’s UniBar.

Special guest Professor Fiona Wood will deliver the occasional address to students.

Professor Wood is one of the most distinguished scientists and researchers in the world, a plastic surgeon and specialist in burns treatment who was named Australian of the Year in 2005 for her work in treating the victims of the Bali Bombings in 2002.

From her home in Perth, Professor Wood will also deliver the occasional address to the audience, comprised of students from all four UOW Faculties.

Outstanding UOW graduate Eileen Wallace will deliver a vote of thanks on behalf of the student cohort during the virtual ceremony. Eileen, the University Medallist for the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, will graduate with a Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering. She finished at the top of her class and the top of her Faculty, and is part of the first cohort of students to finish her studies in biomedical engineering. 

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M. Davidson said it had been a difficult time for the entire university community, but the virtual graduation ceremony offered the chance to recognise the achievements of graduates. 

“Our students have demonstrated outstanding resilience and strength in the face of adversity during the past 18 or so months. As much as we deeply wish we could have held in-person graduation ceremonies, public health orders meant that was not to be. We are thrilled to be able to offer our students the chance to celebrate in a virtual ceremony,” Professor Davidson.

“This will be a special event, featuring many of the traditional elements of graduation ceremonies, with some unique features that we hope students will enjoy.

“We are so proud of our students, of everything they have accomplished in finishing their studies. I can’t wait to see the impact our newest graduates have on the world.”

All students who were scheduled to graduate in 2021 were invited to register for the virtual event. The ceremony will feature greater recognition of each registered graduate.

The virtual graduation ceremony will begin at 6pm AEDT.