Reshma Jayesh
26 March 2025: The University of Canberra’s March 2025 graduation ceremonies closed at the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC) today, and the University celebrated many firsts across the eight ceremonies held the past three days.
These were the first graduation ceremonies for new Vice-Chancellor the Honourable Bill Shorten, at which he conferred degrees and awards to a total of 2,870 graduates. With more than 1,800 graduates attending the ceremonies, this round recorded the largest in-person attendance since before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The University celebrated the success of 42 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduands, the culmination of their years of hard work, collaborative effort and sheer determination – it was the largest cohort of Indigenous graduands in a single round of ceremonies.
Mr Shorten, a firm believer in the power of education and lifelong learning, congratulated the graduates for their achievements and urged them to hold on to the power of critical thinking which is needed now more than ever.
“Looking over our eight graduation ceremonies this week, I saw a remarkable group of people, their families and friends and the amazing number of occupations for which they have been trained. I saw teachers, nurses, accountants, architects, journalists, lawyers, cyber techs and scientists among many others. Their ability, determination and resilience really impressed me.
“Regardless of their chosen field of study, they have all gained the important skill of critical thinking. Together, we should not become complacent about our role in protecting our freedom to think, explore, and question even if it challenges shifting norms. And we must never lose our humanity,” Mr Shorten said.
The University also celebrated some first graduating cohorts this week with the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five), and Bachelors of Science degrees specialising in Biomedical Science, Medical Science and Environmental Science.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) offers a hands-on learning approach and equips students with comprehensive knowledge in child development, preparing them for teaching and leadership positions in early childhood education and care settings.
Carmen Ulrick was one of the first graduates of the inaugural specialised Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) degree. An early childhood educator at Wiradjuri Preschool and Child Care Centre at the University, Ms Ulrick has a passion for lifelong learning. She is the recipient of this year’s Herbert Burton Medal for her outstanding academic results and valuable contributions to the University and the wider community, as well as a Chancellor’s Commendation for maintaining the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) throughout her undergraduate degree.
“Working in early childhood education is all about the tiny magical moments that happen every day. The looks on children's faces when they get what you're trying to teach them; their perspective on the world and the way it changes yours; the feeling that you've made a difference – it’s all so rewarding,” she said.
“I've also been lucky to make some incredible connections in my time at UC. My lecturers here are so inspiring and the preservice teachers bring different perspectives.”
The newly-conferred Bachelor of Science degrees, whether specialising in Biomedical Science, Medical Science or Environmental Science, also have a unique applied approach to the newest degrees. The chosen specialist major comes with professional suites which ensure that the graduates are job-ready and encourage them to pursue studies that complement their core and specialisation.
The University’s commitment to student success was further celebrated this week with over 160 members of the University’s newest alumni cohort who were registered with Inclusion 海角社区, a support provided to students who may require adjustments to their learning journeys due to medical reasons, and in doing so facilitating equitable participation in their education.
“I want to give a shout-out to our graduates who made decisions to seek support from our Inclusion program, that decision secured their academic success. Accessing support is a sign of strength, and I congratulate them for their courage and perseverance – they had much to celebrate this week,” said Mr Shorten.
Graduations are also a reason to celebrate the University’s high achievers, and this year was no exception. The recipient of the Tom Calma Medal this year was Rachelle Kelly-Church. The medal is awarded to a graduating Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student considered to have achieved outstanding academic results and made a valuable contribution to the University and/or the wider community.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws while raising nine children and fighting a breast cancer battle. Now in remission, she proudly walked across the stage to accept her medal, supported by her husband and children. Ms Kelly-Church is also co-founder of the Sisters in Spirit business, an advocacy support program for Indigenous women seeking legal advice or support.
Additionally, the ceremonies saw 14 graduands receiving Chancellor’s Commendations, three were conferred with the University Medals, and two received the 海角社区 Employability and Community Award.
The University of Canberra is excited for its newest graduates of the Class of 2024 – all 2,870 of them – as they take the next step in their careers or academic pathways. What will set them apart will be their job-ready skills and a commitment to serve the community that they will be a part of, skills that are embedded in a University of Canberra student’s learning journey.
Award Recipients:
Chancellor’s Commendations:
Presented to graduating students with the highest Grade Point Average (GPA) throughout their undergraduate degrees, this year’s recipients of the Chancellor’s Commendations were:
Jacqueline Marie Anderson –
Madeleine Cooper – Bachelor of Midwifery
Tania Leonor De Oliveira Correia – Bachelor of Business/ Bachelor of Communication and Media (Marketing Communication)
David Finlay – Bachelor of Science In Psychology
Maria Grainger – Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design)
William Leeson – Bachelor of The Built Environment (Architecture)
Robert Murphy – Bachelor of Medical Science
Alyce Pead – Bachelor of Midwifery
Simon Stauffer - Bachelor of Software Engineering
Joel Tyrrell – Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science)
Carmen Ulrick – Bachelor of Early Childhood (Birth to Five)
Camilla Wagstaff – Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Banjo Ward – Bachelor of Software Engineering
Jessica Lee Ward – Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication Design)
University Medals:
The University Medal is awarded to graduating students with First Class Honours and the highest Grade Point Average (GPA), for their outstanding academic achievement. Recipients in this round were as follows:
Jack Bell – Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Jesse Blakers – Bachelor of Arts and Design (Honours)
Emma Minter – Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Honours)
海角社区 Employability and Community Award:
The following graduands received the 海角社区 Employability and Community Award aimed at developing students’ employability through engagement with a range of experiences and career development learning activities:
Andrew Brain – Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning)
Jaime Ratcliffe – Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science)