November 1, 2022

Student achievements in the spotlight as UOW celebrates spring graduations

Nine honorary doctorates, emeritus professorships to be bestowed during ceremonies

Thousands of students will reflect on the end of their studies and celebrate their achievements when the University of Wollongong (UOW) holds its graduation ceremonies this week (Tuesday 1 November to Thursday 3 November).

All four faculties – Science, Medicine and Health; Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities; Business and Law; and Engineering and Information Sciences – will be represented across three days of ceremonies, to be held at UOW’s Sports Hub.

Students will reflect on the conclusion of their studies, and be joined by their family and friends, during the new-look ceremonies, which bring together traditional graduation proceedings with rich Indigenous history.

The blending of ancient Indigenous practices and European traditions brings to life UOW’s vision for an inclusive, reconciled and united Australia, where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are positioned as the knowledge holders of Country.

The November ceremonies include recent graduates as well as those who missed out on in-person graduations events over the past two and a half years.

The University will also bestow nine Honorary Doctorates and Emeritus Professorships during graduation week.

UOW alumni Lisa Havilah, who is Chief Executive Officer of the Museum of Applied Arts and Science in Sydney; Dr Robin Thompson, Associate Professor at the University of Warwick; Emeritus Professor Bruce Thom AM, a renowned geoscientist; Professor Lei Jiang, from Monash University; and Professor Alan Pettigrew, a researcher in medical sciences, will all receive Honorary Doctorates for their contributions to their respective fields.

UOW academics Professor Andy Davis, from the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences; Professor Paul Chandler, from Early Start Research Institute and Woolyungah Indigenous Centre; Professor Wilfred Yeo, from the School of Medicine; and Professor Stephen Pyne, from the School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, will all be honoured with an Emeritus Professorship.

An Emeritus Professorship is conferred on staff who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and a significant contribution to the University. 

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M Davidson said she was delighted to welcome graduates and their families and friends on campus for the biannual celebrations.

“Graduation is one of the happiest and most memorable occasions of the year, and a rite of passage for every student. We can’t wait to welcome on to campus the many UOW graduates who are celebrating the conclusion of their studies, as well as their friends and families.

“It has been a difficult few years to be a University student. I am immensely proud that  all our graduates have been able to accomplish so much during what has been a tough and tumultuous time.

“I also congratulate those academics who have been named an Emeritus Professor, which is an immense honour, and those who have received Honorary Doctorates for their contributions to their respective fields. It is wonderful to welcome you to the UOW family.”