More than 350 students to graduate in Alice Springs this week

Hundreds of Alice Springs locals are set to graduate this week at graduation ceremonies at Charles Darwin University (CDU) in Central Australia. 

Out of more than 350 students who are set to graduate, nearly all are currently based in and around the Alice Springs town centre and are ready to support workforce needs in Central Australia. 

Graduating students include 75 graduating in Higher Education, 271 in Vocational Education and Training, 4 PhD graduates and 57 First Nations students.

Graduates from a range of disciplines including business and law, nursing and midwifery, health and human sciences, Indigenous futures, education and the arts and engineering, IT and the environment will mark the success of their academic journey as a part of the ceremonies.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman said he was pleased to visit the campus at Alice Springs to attend the graduation ceremonies and congratulated graduates for their academic success.

“Graduation ceremonies provide an opportunity for us to recognise the academic achievements of our wonderful student cohort here in Alice Springs,” Professor Bowman said. 

“Completing your higher education studies is a significant milestone in your academic journey and I know our students will be supported to go on to have wonderful careers in their chosen fields.”

CDU Associate Vice-Chancellor Central Australia Jay Walker said he was thrilled to see so many students graduating in Central Australia. 

“Graduation always creates a real buzz in Alice Springs on campus, and everyone from our educators, to staff and beyond are so pleased to see so many of our students graduating from their studies,” Mr Walker said.  

“Our graduates will continue to be an important part of the CDU identity and I wish them well in their future endeavours, knowing that they will go on to do great things to support the Central Australia, the Territory community and beyond.”  

Alumni and current CDU Council member Mark Munnich will deliver the Occasional Address Speech at the ceremony and will discuss his journey from dropping out of high school to graduating and his learnings. 

First Nations CDU student Jennifer Nixon, a proud Alice Springs Amnatyerr, Kaytetye and Alyawarr woman will graduate with a Diploma of Leadership and Management and will speak at the ceremony. 

Ms Nixon works as an Operations Manager and hopes to encourage more First Nations people into education and career pathways they are passionate about. 

“I hope that my story will encourage not only other First Nations people to give study a go, but also older people as well, it is never too late to achieve your dreams,” Ms Nixon said.

PhD graduates who are graduating will see research outputs directly impact and lead to improved outcomes in the Territory and beyond. 

CDU’s Northern Institute PhD candidate Penelope Joan Bergen has completed a thesis on the development of the culture of non-Aboriginal government workers in remote Aboriginal settlements in Central Australia while she was studying and living in the region.

Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Chief Executive Officer Donna Ah Chee will be recognised with an Honorary Doctorate at the ceremony for her significant contribution to the health of First Nations people in the Territory.

CDU’s Graduation Ceremony will be held at Alice Springs Convention Centre on June 16 at 7pm. A First Nations Valedictory ceremony will also be held 4.30pm on the same day to recognise these students in Alice Springs. 

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