February 10, 2022

Vice-Chancellor celebrates graduations in Bega, Batemans Bay

Professor Patricia Davidson to meet with staff, students during regional campus road trip

University of Wollongong (UOW) Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M. Davidson is visiting the University’s campuses on the Far South Coast this week, to celebrate the graduation of regional students.

Due to the pandemic, it is the first time Professor Davidson has been able to travel to the campuses since taking over as Vice-Chancellor last May.

On Thursday, Professor Davidson is taking part in the academic procession at the UOW Bega graduation ceremony at Bega Civic Centre. Following the ceremony, Professor Davidson will take part in a tour of the Bega campus, where she will meet with students, staff, graduates, and scholarship recipients.

On Friday, Professor Davidson will travel to UOW Batemans Bay, where she will also oversee the graduation ceremony on campus. She will then tour the campus and meet with UOW Batemans Bay staff for lunch.

Professor Davidson said she was excited to be able to visit the Batemans Bay and Bega campuses and meet with the staff and students who keep the regional campuses running.

“Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic and NSW lockdowns have meant that my previously scheduled visits to UOW’s regional campuses have had to be continually postponed so I can’t wait to finally visit the beautiful Far South Coast. It will be even more memorable being able to take part in such a special occasion as graduation,” she said.

“UOW’s regional campuses are incredibly important to the University and to the communities which we serve. The staff are tireless and hardworking, and do so much to make our campuses a vibrant, dynamic place for students from all walks of life.

“I was also lucky enough to visit UOW Shoalhaven last week, and meet some of the amazing people who work and study there.”

^{UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M. Davidson celebrates with new graduates at UOW's Bega campus.}

Samantha Avitaia, Campus Manager at UOW Bega, said it will be the first time that the graduation ceremony has been held at UOW Bega since 2019, with 27 students to celebrate the end of their studies.

“It is a very special occasion for us, and marks 550 graduates from UOW Bega since it was opened 22 years ago,” Ms Avitaia said.

“We are thrilled to be able to have the Vice-Chancellor there to celebrate with us. It will be a very busy day as we’re also hosting a tour of the Bega campus after the ceremony. 

“It’s a great opportunity for us to show off our beautiful campus and provide an opportunity for Professor Davidson to hear about the research, workforce and education needs of the Bega Valley directly from our community.”

There are also 27 students celebrating their graduation from UOW Batemans Bay. Jaimey Facchin, Campus Manager at UOW Batemans Bay, said that due to the small nature of the regional campus, students become valued part of the community during their studies.

“It is a wonderful moment to see our students graduate. Often, we have been there for every moment along the way, so it feels particularly special to see our students achieve their dreams and go out into the world,” Ms Facchin said.

“We are thrilled to be able to have the new Vice-Chancellor with us to celebrate this week and we can’t wait to show Professor Davidson exactly what makes UOW Batemans Bay such a welcoming place for students and the community.”

UOW has campuses at Bega, Batemans Bay, the Southern Highlands, and in the Shoalhaven, with the aim of making university education accessible to students from regional areas.

Students at all UOW campuses will be welcomed back to campus at the end of February, to coincide with Orientation Week and the beginning of Autumn session.