Deputy Vice-Chancellor's message

Graduations are a time of great joy on many different fronts. For our students, they are an opportunity to celebrate the cumulation of years of hard work and learning, and to look ahead to the many opportunities now open to them through their academic achievements and formal qualification. For the families and friends of our graduates, the ceremonies spark a swelling of emotions, dominated by pride in their loved ones’ accomplishments.

For staff at the University, graduations are inspiring because they represent a significant outcome of our expertise and support. Each of us has contributed to the overall student experience and the journey to their graduations. It truly does “take a village”.

Graduations begin today and continue until Thursday 9 May, with 16 booked-out ceremonies held in our Bonython Hall. There are 3,900 students attending these ceremonies, plus guests, with a further 1,100 graduates being conferred in absentia. Among the cohort are 36 Aboriginal and Torres Strait students who will graduate from a range of undergraduate and postgraduate coursework and research degrees across all three faculties.

Esteemed molecular and cellular biologist, Professor Jane Visvader, social inclusion advocate, Ms Jane Sloane, and media trailblazer, Ms Adele Ferguson AM will also receive the Honorary Degree of Doctor of the University (honoris causa). 

These ceremonies represent a memorable occasion in the lives of graduates, and their success is attributable to many staff and volunteers who so expertly organise and coordinate the events, in particular the graduations teams, and the protocol team members who support guest speakers and the awarding of Honorary Doctorates.

Many academic staff and Council Members will take part in the Academic Procession for each ceremony. Aside from the striking visual impact of the procession, it is a public acknowledgement of their expertise and impact on the standing of the University. Special thanks also to the staff and student musicians who perform at the ceremonies, and our wonderful staff and student volunteers who contribute their time and service.

Over the past 150 years, our graduates have gone on to make history all over the globe and have been pioneers and leaders in a range of disciplines. Our latest graduates now join our alumni family of more than 164,000 people in 148 countries, and we wish them every success for a happy and distinguished future.

Professor Jennie Shaw
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)