Family and friends will join 34 graduates attending the ceremony, which this year will be hosted at St Paul's Anglican Church, 70 Canberra Ave, Griffith.

Head of the CSU School of Theology Dr David Neville said, “We congratulate our graduating professionals with their friends and families on the successful completion of their studies.

“Charles Sturt University takes pride in producing job-ready professionals who enter the workforce very insightful, making a positive impact, creating an inclusive society, and inspiring others.

"Thirty four graduates will receive their bachelor’s and postgraduate testamurs from the University in Canberra this year. We invite you to come and share this important milestone with us."

One particularly noteworthy graduate is Dr Christine Bryden, who will receive her PhD during the Canberra ceremony. Dr Bryden, as a successful scientist and head of the Science and Technology Division in the Prime Minister’s Department, was diagnosed in 1995 with dementia at the age of 46.

Dr Bryden is now a well-known advocate for people with dementia, giving public talks across Australia and in many countries, and was featured in 2016 in ABC TV’s Australian Story.

Dr Bryden graduates on Monday with a doctorate from CSU in which she explores dementia from the inside. She challenges much current thinking by those who have studied dementia from the outside, most notably by challenging the concept of loss of self in dementia. She contends that people living with dementia can still maintain a sense of self in the present. She herself is living proof.

Other graduation highlights include the occasional address to be presented by a doyen of the Canberra Press Gallery, Mr Paul Bongiorno.

10am Monday 11 December – 34 graduates from the Faculty of Arts and Education, and 117 guests for the School of Theology ceremony.

Mr Paul Bongiorno will deliver the Occasional Address. Ms Suzanne Woodcock is due to deliver the student’s Vote of Thanks.