Record number of First Nations students graduated this year in Alice Springs

A record number of students recently graduated in Alice Springs, with over 20 per cent of the cohort being First Nations.

Almost 400 graduates, 80 of which are First Nations, marked the success of their academic journey.

The First Nations Leadership Valedictory Ceremony that celebrates CDU’s First Nations graduating students opened the graduation ceremony.

First Nations CDU student Donna Lemon, a proud Arrernte/Warumungu/Maori woman addressed this year’s graduating First Nations.

Ms Lemon left school in year 10, but after finishing an internship with Redfern Dance Company, she decided to return to Alice Springs to continue her education.

She graduates from CDU with a Diploma of Business, Diploma of Leadership and Management and Diploma of Human Resource Management.

She said that she hoped her learning journey would inspire others.

“I left school in year 10 to pursue other opportunities, I was young and didn’t realise the impact not finishing High School would have on my future,” Ms Lemon said.

“When I came back home, my home life wasn’t great I knew I wanted to be the person in my family who broke this cycle but without a High School diploma and in desperate need of a job, I had to look at other options.”

“This is when I found out about the TAFE programs at CDU, I enrolled in a Certificate IV in Business which has given me the confidence, knowledge and opportunity to build a new life for myself and my family,” she said.

Almost 30 years later Ms Lemon has continued her studies with CDU and was excited to attend graduation for the first time.

“I think it is important that we as First Nation’s students are able to celebrate our achievements together on country, and I am looking forward to the ceremony,” Ms Lemon said.

CDU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership and Engagement, Professor Reuben Bolt was at the Valedictory Ceremony to celebrate the students’ success. 

“It is critically important to acknowledge the achievements of our students. Their success is our success, and we must celebrate with them as they move onto the next chapter of their lives to make a difference in their community. We are extremely proud,” Professor Bolt said.

For more information visit: cdu.edu.au/current-students/student-admin/graduations