Every student journey celebrated at University of Newcastle graduations
More than 1,200 students will don their caps and gowns to celebrate their study achievements during six graduation ceremonies this week at the University of Newcastle’s Callaghan campus.
Ngaio Stobbs in her mother's Korowai - a traditional Maori cloak made of feathers and textile.
This year, the University of Newcastle is proudly celebrating 50 Years of Open Foundation, the ‘university-ready’ pathway program that has transformed lives and opened the doors to education and career opportunities for people from all walks of life.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO congratulated all graduates for the commitment to their study and career aspirations, including those graduating from the University’s pathway programs.
“Over the last 50 years, our Open Foundation students have gone on to become the teachers, nurses, engineers, doctors and other professionals, who have been giving back to our communities not just locally, but across regional Australia and overseas,” Professor Zelinsky said.
“Every student graduating this week in our Great Hall has made an investment in themselves and their future. Whether graduating from a pathway program or with a PhD, they will each reap the benefits of this investment for a lifetime,” he said.
“I’m proud the latest graduate outcomes survey shows that over 90 per cent of our undergraduate, and almost 95 per cent of our postgraduate students are employed within four months of graduation*. This is above the national average and an assurance of committing to further studies.
“Given the government’s target of 80 per cent of the nation’s workforce having a university or TAFE qualification by 2050, we are proud to be the blueprint for providing a free pathway to tertiary education.
“Equity is at the heart of what we do at the University of Newcastle. With nine out of 10 jobs of the future requiring higher education, it is our priority to ensure that people of all backgrounds have access to education and therefore those career opportunities.”
Ngaio Stobbs will graduate this week with a Doctor of Philosophy, the highest level of academic achievement that a student can earn – but she started her study journey in her 30s, completing Open Foundation in 2006.
“As a mum raising three young daughters, I began thinking about my options for earning a living. I knew I wanted to go to university, but what was stopping me was a pathway in, and that’s what Open Foundation was for me,” Ngaio explained.
“Education is a key to a future. University and Open Foundation, those are the places that are going to open the doors for you.”
After being inspired and encouraged by Ngaio, all three of her daughters completed Open Foundation as well as university study and are now working in their fields.
Ngaio will cross the stage proudly representing her cultural heritage, donning her late mother’s Korowai, a traditional Māori cloak made from wax and feathers which has travelled from New Zealand with her family, who have come together to celebrate this momentous occasion.
“My mum was one of my biggest supporters. She always said to me ‘I can’t wait till you graduate’. In our culture, when we go through big events in our eyes, we will wear the Korowai. I’m really excited to wear my mum’s Korowai, because I’ve never been given that opportunity before, and in that way, she gets to be with me.”
This year the University will recognise the highest ever number of students graduating with Doctoral degrees, with almost 200 PhD and Master of Philosophy students invited to graduate, a testament to the University’s dedication to contribute world-leading research.
Graduates will become a part of the University’s 175,000-strong alumni network that stretches across 154 countries around the world.
Anyone considering their study options are encouraged to attend University of Newcastle Open Days in August and for those ready to apply, Early Entry applications are open now.
Learn more about Open Days: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/open-day
Find out more about Early Entry: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/early
*Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2021-2023
To watch the 2024 Callaghan Graduation livestream recordings please click here.
For future Graduation ceremonies and dates please click here.
Read more about graduation and the success of our students:
Heath scores Wollotuka support to succeed
Returning to study marketing, Rebecca meant business
Brendan constructs new life path after government career
Matilda masters expanding her health career
Contact
- Elizabeth Olivier
- Email: elizabeth.olivier@newcastle.edu.au
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Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.