Graduate celebrations in Alice

Charles Darwin University will celebrate the academic achievements of about 350 students with a graduation ceremony and an Indigenous valedictory ceremony in Alice Springs next week (Thursday 15 June). 

Director Central Australia Lyle Mellors said the valedictory ceremony would take place on Alice Springs campus, while the graduation ceremony would be held at the Alice Springs Convention Centre.

“We are expecting about 70 graduates from the Vocational Education and Training faculty and higher education, including the Menzies School of Health Research, to cross the stage at our graduation ceremony,” Mr Mellors said.

Among them will be Lisa Hall, who will become the sixth Alice Springs-based resident to graduate with a PhD from CDU in the past seven years.

Dr Hall worked with seven qualified Aboriginal teachers from remote communities in Central Australia to explore what may be done to create effective pathways for future Indigenous teachers.

Mr Mellors said CDU had honoured Dr Hall’s achievement by inviting her to carry the ceremonial mace in the academic procession.

“We congratulate Dr Hall and indeed all our completing students upon their achievements and wish them well in the future knowing they are equipped with a high quality educational qualification,” he said.

At the ceremony Bachelor of Science (Honours) graduate Nerida Liddle will be presented with a Chancellor’s Medal for achieving the highest grade-point average in a program from the Faculty of Engineering, Health, Science and the Environment.

Deputy Administrator Pat Miller AO will deliver the Occasional Address and midwifery student Elizabeth Hughes the Graduate Response.

Mr Mellors said that CDU’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates would be acknowledged at the valedictory ceremony.

“Participating students will be presented with a CDU Indigenous Leadership pin, and those graduating with a Certificate IV or above will also be presented with an Indigenous Stole that they will be invited to wear at the main graduation ceremony later in the day,” he said.

The Indigenous Valedictory Ceremony will be held from 4pm to 5pm and the Graduation Ceremony from 7pm.