Global graduates inspire on Sydney stage
It was caps off in celebration at the CQUniversity Sydney Graduation Ceremony where more than 370 graduates were recognised for their hard work and dedication.
With graduates from 21 different countries, the diverse cohort of will now contribute to their chosen industries across Australia and internationally, joining a 130,000-strong community of CQU alumni across the globe.
The ceremony was a celebration of the rich cultures and backgrounds of the student body with many graduates wearing items of cultural significance as they crossed the stage. This included CQU cultural sashes gifted to Indigenous graduates in recognition of their ancestry and the University’s commitment to reconciliation.
CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Klomp congratulated all graduates and encouraged them to make a positive impact in their communities.
“Today marks the achievement of a milestone that has the power to change the very course of your life and the lives of those around you,” Professor Klomp said.
“Completing a qualification is never easy. It takes determination, resilience and commitment.
“For our international students here today, you’ve embraced life in a new country far away from your loved ones, and yet, you’ve made it. You persisted and now here you are.”
Graduate representative speaker Andres Rincon delivered the student address where he reflected on his experience as an international student from Columbia.
“What we celebrate today is not just a piece of paper, it is proof of what we are capable of," he said.
“Next time we feel like we are falling behind, or something feels impossible, let's remember this as proof of our strength, dedication and our skills.
“We all know this journey hasn’t been easy. Each of us has faced different challenges. Some of us manage studies while raising children, other balanced long working hour. Many of us delt with migration challenges, learning English and adapting to our new culture, and being far from loved ones.”
Guest speaker and CQU alumnus Mr Mark Reading also drew from his own experiences while completing his Master of Business Administration in 1997.
“You should each receiving a medal for surviving group projects, with group members you didn’t choose deciphering lecture notes that were perfectly clear when you wrote them but completely in decipherable when you wrote them of course those heroic all-nighters pulled when assessments loomed,” he said.
“After all, as they say, diamonds are crated under pressure. If that true, this graduating class must be completely dazzling by now.”
As the former Head of the Atlassian Foundation and a partner at PwC, Mr Reading also offered words of advice to the graduates as they enter their future careers.
“I want to talk to you about three concepts that will heavily shape your journey ahead curiosity, courage and connection. I believe they play a role in unlocking a life of meaning and impact.
“Curiosity to keep asking questions and challenging what you know. Courage to take risks in uncertainty and stand up for what matters. Connection to build meaningful relationships support you and amplify your impact.
“The three Cs are not just ideas, they are compass points that will guide you through both success, and setbacks.”
The graduating cohort included a Vocational Education and Training (VET), 447 higher education, and five Research Higher Degrees.
The ceremony recognised Dr Judith Pilch with a Doctor of Education (EdD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) recipients Dr Paul O'Sullivan, Dr Aruna Ranganathan, Dr Vanessa Hill and Dr Princess Villamin for their contribution to research.
