200,000 lives transformed: a historic graduation 60 years in the making

Wednesday, 16 July 2025

The University of Newcastle will reach a momentous milestone this week, celebrating 200,000 graduates in its 60th year as a university of – and for – its regions.

More than 1,300 students will graduate across nine special ceremonies at the iconic Newcastle City Hall, marking six decades of life-changing education, opportunity and impact.

Among the cohort is Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering graduate Aleria Dunlop, representing the University’s 200,000th alum. A Newcastle local, Aleria is passionate about breaking gender barriers in engineering, where women make up just 13%* of the workforce.

“I chose aerospace engineering because I was fascinated by flight, by the challenge of pushing the boundaries of what humans can design, build and launch.

“And there aren’t many women in the field, so I took it as a challenge. I thought, ‘I could do that’,” Aleria said.

Growing up near Williamtown, Aleria was inspired by the aviation technology close to home. Her degree included an internship with BAE Systems, where she helped build a test model for upgraded aircraft control systems, an experience that confirmed her love for hands-on engineering.

“I had a ball. I’ve always liked testing new systems and seeing how they work in real time. It was great applying what I’d learned to real-world projects, especially in an industry that’s connected to my own community.”

Aleria’s story reflects the University’s enduring impact across generations. Her mother, father and brother all studied at the University, with her grandfather, Philip, earning his electrical engineering degree with the institution 59 years ago, graduating at the same venue where Aleria will graduate this week.

“I’m proud to be following in my grandad’s footsteps. Walking up the City Hall steps to my graduation ceremony, knowing he’s trodden the same path, will be pretty special – especially in the University’s 60th year.”

Aleria and her grandfather, Philip

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said reaching 200,000 alumni is more than a milestone, it’s a powerful reflection of the lives changed, doors opened, and communities strengthened over six decades.

“This is a celebration of 200,000 unique stories, each one shaped by determination, hard work, and the life-changing impact of education,” Professor Zelinsky said.

“From 1,700 students and 138 graduates in our first year, we’ve grown into a global community of more than 37,000 students and 200,000 alumni – and we’re just getting started.” 

As part of this week’s celebrations, the University will honour its deep connection to the city through a daily academic procession, where University staff, leaders and student representatives will walk from NUspace to City Hall ahead of each 2.30pm ceremony, a symbolic journey mirroring the transition from study to graduation.

“Holding our ceremonies at Newcastle City Hall, the site of our very first graduations, is a powerful reminder of where we began and the community that helped build us,” Professor Zelinsky said. 

“The daily procession brings that history to life. It connects our past to our present and brings our entire university community together in celebration.

“We encourage all our community members to head down, grab some free cake and a cuppa and enjoy the procession.”

The University of Newcastle was proclaimed on 1 January 1965. Learn more about its six decades and counting as a university for its regions.

*Source: Engineers Australia, Women in Engineering Report, June 2022.

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