More than 60 students from the University of Wollongong (UOW) Shoalhaven will celebrate their graduation on Thursday (April 28), the first time they have been able to do so since the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The graduation ceremony will be held at Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre in Nowra, with students from UOW's Faculty of Business and Law; Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities; and Science, Medicine and Health marking the end of their studies.
UOW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patricia Davidson, will attend the ceremony and take part in the academic procession.
"Graduations are one of the happiest occasions for a university," Professor Davidson said.
"I'm excited to be able to celebrate with the outstanding students from UOW Shoalhaven, and to recognise their hard work, tenacity, and triumph during these tough last few years.
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"UOW's regional campuses are incredibly important to the University and to the communities which we serve.
"It is a privilege to be able to take part in these graduation ceremonies, as to celebrate our amazing students from all walks of life."
This year actually marks 22 years since UOW Shoalhaven was opened at its West Nowra location, with Shoalhaven campus manager Chris Hadley, saying staff at the regional campus were delighted to be able to celebrate the students' success during the in-person ceremony.
"It is wonderful to be able to see our students graduate, after two years of so many bumps in the road," Mr Hadley said.
"Being a smaller campus, we are there for every step of the students' journeys, so it feels particularly poignant to be able to see our students take their knowledge and skills into the world.
"UOW Shoalhaven is a special place, for the students, staff, and wider community.
"We are thrilled to have the Vice-Chancellor with us to celebrate our students and their academic and personal achievements."
Penelope McMillan, who completed a Bachelor of Nursing at UOW Shoalhaven in 2021, will deliver a vote of thanks during the ceremony, on behalf of the student cohort.
In acknowledgment of UOW's campuses being located across several Aboriginal nations, UOW has been working to create new graduation traditions by weaving Aboriginal ceremonies into graduation.
The blending of ancient practices and European traditions brings to life UOW's vision for an inclusive, reconciled and united Australia where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are positioned as the knowledge holders of Country.
