- Charles Sturt University held its first Wagga Wagga graduation ceremony in the December 2022 graduation season on Monday 12 December
- More than 170 graduates celebrated the completion of their courses on day one of ceremonies in Wagga Wagga, with more than 600 guests in attendance
- A total of 1,122 graduates will receive degrees in seven ceremonies this week across a range of disciplines, including in agriculture, veterinary science, nursing, social work and arts, education, paramedicine, business and more
Charles Sturt University agriculture graduates have just received their testamurs but are already making an impact in their chosen fields and filling skills shortages in the industry.
More than 170 graduates kicked off a week of ceremonies at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga that will see a total of 1,122 graduates walk across the stage at Joyes Hall.
Monday 12 December was an exceptional day with more than 600 people celebrating more than 170 graduates at the first Charles Sturt graduation ceremony in Wagga Wagga this week.
Graduates attended in full academic regalia, with family and friends basking in their educational achievements after persevering through the unprecedented period of a global pandemic and a slew of catastrophic weather events that swept the nation.
Out of the 177 graduates in attendance during two ceremonies on Monday, degrees were awarded for courses offered in the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences and the School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sport Sciences.
Graduates will be conferred during the rest of the week in the Charles Sturt School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences, School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, School of Education, School of Indigenous Australian Studies, School of Information and Communication Studies, Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security, School of Computing, Maths and Engineering, Centre for Law and Justice, School of Customs and Excise Studies, School of Social Work and Arts, School of Psychology and School of Business.
Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon congratulated the graduates for their dedication and determination in achieving their goals during such challenging times.
Professor Leon noted the critical role the graduates will play in tackling the skills shortages facing Australia.
“Our agriculture graduates will help fill essential roles at this time when the industry is in dire need of skilled professionals in a range of fields in the agriculture industry,” Professor Leon said.
“Charles Sturt’s outstanding record in graduate employment – ranked first among all Australian universities for the last six years – means most of these graduates are already making positive impacts in their careers and communities.
“These graduates have endured an exceptional educational journey during one of the most difficult periods of our generation.
“Having to navigate the many hurdles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, along with extreme weather events that have plagued communities is a testament to their strength of character, resilience, and ambition.
“Now they can embark on their careers offering their communities vital skills built from a world-class education at a time when local towns need graduate professions more than ever.”
Bachelor of Agricultural Science graduate Ms Alice Lewis grew up on her family farm in south-west Victoria and always knew she wanted to pursue a career in agriculture.
“Our industry is so broad, the career possibilities are endless … the pride and fulfillment I feel working in this industry now is incredibly rewarding and motivating,” she said.
During her final-year placement, Ms Lewis gained an understanding of the skills shortage in the industry. Her focus shifted into agriculture education and she is pursuing a career in teaching. She is currently gaining valuable industry experience by working as a station hand at a property in Harden.
Bachelor of Science graduate Mr Daniel Barlow from Victoria received a University Medal due to his outstanding results in all subjects.
Mr Barlow is a lawyer but has always been interested in science. He read about the subject for leisure and finally decided to obtain a formal qualification in it.
“I looked around and Charles Sturt University seemed to offer just what I was after,” he said.
“I am still going to practice as a lawyer, but the science qualification fits in nicely with my work.
“I act for a lot of clients involved in agriculture, so having a better understanding of the science behind what they do will hopefully help me to assist them with any legal issues they might have.”
Mr Barlow said receiving the University Medal was a nice way to finish his undergraduate journey at Charles Sturt.
“I was surprised and really honoured to hear that I’d been awarded the University Medal,” he said.
“I’ve really developed a great respect for Charles Sturt and all of the lecturers and staff who have helped me with my studies, so if anything I regard the medal as a bit of a tribute to them for all of the help they gave me along the way.”
The Charles Sturt Wagga Wagga graduation ceremonies will be held at Joyes Hall on Monday 12 December at 10am and 3.30pm, Tuesday 13 December at 10am and 3.30pm, Wednesday 14 December at 10am, Thursday 15 December at 3.30pm, and Friday 16 December at 10am.
A long list of dignitaries attended numerous ceremonies during the week, including the Vice-Chancellor and senior executives from Charles Sturt University and others such as:
- City of Wagga Wagga Mayor Councillor Dallas Tout
- City of Wagga Wagga Deputy Mayor Councillor Jenny McKinnon
- AgriFutures Australia Chairperson Mrs Kay Hull, AO
- Temora Shire Mayor Councillor Rick Firman, OAM
- Leeton Shire Mayor Councillor Tony Reneker
- Kildare Catholic College Principal Mr Chris Browne
Professor Leon said the celebration of agriculture graduates marked the end of a successful year of contributions to the industry by Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga.
“The Charles Sturt University Agrisciences Research and Business Park (AgriPark) continued to deliver programs and partnerships to showcase and nurture the talents of staff and students at the University,” she said.
“The Global Digital Farm at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga was part of talks in NSW Parliament about how innovations by the University are helping to shape the agriculture sector.
“A $20 million funding boost was announced for the Southern NSW Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub to expand the hub’s capacity to improve profitability and sustainability.
Charles Sturt Graduation ceremonies will continue to be held at a total of 10 locations during December, including at Charles Sturt in Dubbo on Monday 5 December, Melbourne on Monday 5 December, Bathurst on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 December, Rosehill in Sydney on Thursday 8 December, Parramatta on Friday 9 December, Olympic Park in Sydney on Saturday 10 December, Albury-Wodonga on Tuesday 13 December, Orange on Thursday 15 December, and in Port Macquarie on Monday 19 to Tuesday 20 December.
A total of 21 graduation ceremonies will be held across the Charles Sturt footprint in December celebrating approximately 2,200 graduates among more than 6,700 family and friends.
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