• 1,499 graduates will celebrate the completion of their studies at Charles Sturt graduation ceremonies from this month
• More than 4,800 friends and family will also attend
• Seventeen graduation ceremonies will be held across six Charles Sturt campuses from April until June

More than 6,300 people consisting of graduates, their friends and family will come together to celebrate years of hard work by Charles Sturt University students during graduation ceremonies which commenced today and will run until 3 June.

1,499 graduates along with 4,803 guests will attend graduation ceremonies at one of the University’s six major campuses, including at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Albury, Dubbo, Orange and Port Macquarie.

An array of high-profile guests will be a highlight at various ceremonies, including Australia’s longest-serving former judge The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG; CEO of the Benevolent Society Ms Lyn Hatfield Dodds; Wagga Wagga Mayor Cr Dallas Tout; Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor Renée Leon and a range of other senior University officials.

Charles Sturt Vice-Chancellor Professor Renée Leon PSM congratulated graduates on prioritising their life-long career prospects through higher education with Australia’s largest regional university.

“Charles Sturt University’s outstanding history for graduate employment bodes well for each graduate when it comes to securing full-time employment after graduation,” Professor Leon said.

“It is with immense pride that we have assisted these graduates to become professionals in their chosen careers. They will bring vital skills in essential industries such as nursing and teaching, to regional, rural and remote towns that need it most.

“Congratulations to all of Charles Sturt’s 1,499 students who are graduating this week.”

Dr Jake Fountain from Young is a first-in-family university graduate from a regional public school who graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (Science) on Tuesday 16 April.

He has been a student at Charles Sturt for approximately nine years while completing undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. He said it has been a long and rewarding journey culminating in his graduation ceremony.

“Graduation feels like closure to me,” he said.

“I was awarded my degree in July last year, but it hasn’t felt officially finished until now.”

“It’s been a long journey, so it’s great to finally share my achievement with those who supported me through the process.”

Dr Fountain praised the efforts of Charles Sturt staff during his higher education journey with the University.

“The staff that work here are unlike others that I’ve seen in this industry,” he said.

“Their selflessness and relatable character make it a comfortable place to study.” 

“I’m not sure that I would be where I am today without certain individuals within the faculty.”

From student to teacher, Dr Fountain has secured employment as a Lecturer in Small Animal Veterinary Practice at Charles Sturt in Wagga Wagga, in a teaching and research capacity.

He said it was a way to give back to the university and provide students the support that was offered to him over the last decade.

A total of 17 graduation ceremonies will be held within the six main campus communities at Charles Sturt University in the following regional cities:

• Wagga Wagga from Tuesday 16 until Friday 19 April
• Albury-Wodonga on Tuesday 23 April
• Port Macquarie from Tuesday 21 May until Wednesday 22 May
• Dubbo on Monday 27 May
• Bathurst from Wednesday 29 until Thursday 30 May
• Orange on Monday 3 June

Students are graduating from all three of the University’s faculties, including from the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences (FoBJBS), the Faculty of Science and Health and the Faculty of Arts and Education.

The most popular courses university-wide among the graduates are Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, and the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary).

Graduates are from a range of rural, regional, remote and metropolitan areas. Just some of these include graduates from the Charles Sturt footprint communities, along with others from locations such as Sydney, Wollongong, Canberra, Melbourne, Griffith and Grenfell.

ENDS