The pomp, ceremony and excitement of graduation at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga will be brought to the city‘s centre in the annual Town and Gown Academic Procession on Tuesday 13 April.
The colourful main street parade has been held every year since 2005 as a prelude to the three days of graduations at CSU in Wagga Wagga from Wednesday 14 April to Friday 16 April. Leading the procession will be the Riverina Concert Band and Wiradjuri elder Mrs Isobel Reid, who will carry the CSU Message Stick. The centuries-old title of Esquire Bedell will be taken up by Dr Henry Gardiner. The CSU Chancellor Mr Lawrie Willett AO and Wagga Wagga Mayor Councillor Kerry Pascoe will also don their ceremonial gowns at the front of the parade.
The procession brings together members of the University’s governing body, the CSU Council, Wagga Wagga City Councillors and CSU academics. The parade is also open to eligible staff from the University and the City Council as well as University of NSW Rural Clinical School, TAFE NSW Riverina Institute and those who will graduate over the following three days.
Among those participating in the annual Town and Gown parade in Wagga Wagga on Tuesday 13 April will be the Head of Campus at CSU in Wagga Wagga, Mr Adrian Lindner. He took up the Head of Campus position last year and will be Master of Ceremony for the upcoming three days of graduation.
“The Town and Gown Parade is a clear public display of the close relationship that has developed over many years between Charles Sturt University and the Wagga Wagga City Council,” said Mr Lindner. “I urge all those eligible staff at the University, the City Council and the Riverina Institute to don their academic gowns and take to the streets.”
Wagga Wagga is the only CSU campus city to hold a graduation parade. It was introduced five years ago to replicate a centuries-old tradition of ceremonial street marches by clergy, civic leaders or royalty in the United Kingdom.
“It’s a wonderful event for the local community – it highlights the importance of education and some of the tradition and excitement that goes with achieving at the higher levels of learning,” TAFE NSW Riverina Institute Director Ms Rosemary Campbell said.
"CSU graduation week is one of the city’s busiest periods with the 2 500 available beds in Wagga Wagga close to being booked out,” said Wagga Wagga City Council Tourism Manager Ms Sally Nolan. “The large number of people visiting the city has great economic benefits for the city.”
A total of 1 114* graduates and their guests** are expected to attend the six graduation ceremonies for the faculties of Arts, Business, Education and Science from Wednesday 14 April until Friday 16 April in Joyes Hall, Pine Gully Rd, CSU in Wagga Wagga.
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