Donning their blue caps and robes, more than 60 University of Wollongong (UOW) Shoalhaven students were able to finally celebrate their graduation on Thursday.
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It was the Shoalhaven campus' first official graduation ceremony in three years due to the pandemic, with many 2019 graduates in attendance.
Carolyn Samuel, 21, was thrilled to mark the end of her studies with her peers after lockdowns presented challenges to learning.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing with Distinction in October last year and has since enjoyed her new role as a nurse at Wollongong hospital.
"It was difficult because for the past two years we were online learning. A lot of us here learn more by physically doing things in lab tutorials ... but we all pushed through," Carolyn said.
"It's very exciting to finally be all together again and have this last celebration."
Reflecting on her time at UOW Shoalhaven, she said it was wonderful to have a campus close to home.
"Having a local university was amazing because not only is it a smaller campus, but you can create so many friends being in that smaller environment," Carolyn said.
UOW Shoalhaven campus manager Chris Hadley said it was important to hold a local ceremony to recognise the graduate's achievements.
"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 in to the world," Mr Hadley said.
"It is wonderful to be able to see our students graduate, after two years of so many bumps in the road."
Held at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, the ceremony kicked off with an academic procession led by Indigenous community leaders, followed by a Welcome to Country from Uncle Tom Moore.
Nursing graduate Penelope McMillan delivered a vote of thanks during the ceremony, on behalf of the student cohort.
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Grace Crivellaro
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
Court reporter for the Illawarra Mercury.
