Ourimbah graduation celebrates excellence on the coast
More than 500 University of Newcastle (UON) and TAFE NSW students will cross the stage at Ourimbah graduation this week, celebrating the culmination of years of academic endeavour.
Set to embark on their next chapter as alumni, students across multiple faculties, disciplines and enabling programs will don their graduation gowns to represent the Central Coast cohort.
Already making her mark improving people’s health in remote NSW, Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy graduate Jackie Cunningham said the University of Newcastle had given her the experience necessary to achieve her dream.
“I had the opportunity to complete my clinical placement with the University’s oral health van at the Ungooroo site in Singleton, which offers services twice weekly to Indigenous children in the area.
“The experience was so amazing – I really felt like I was thriving and making a real difference to the people there. I wanted to continue helping disadvantaged communities, so followed my dream and now work as an Oral Health Therapist for Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service, flying out there twice a month,” she said.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Caroline McMillen, said Ourimbah graduation was a significant milestone for many.
“Graduation is a wonderful time to recognise the personal achievements and tenacity of our remarkable students, who come to us from all walks of life.
“Completing a university degree is an accomplishment of which to be incredibly proud, and each year I feel privileged to be part of such an important day,” she said.
Professor McMillen also highlighted the global impact of the University’s alumni.
“Our talented alumni of more than 142,000 graduates from 145 countries are making differences in their communities across the globe. I look forward to learning more of the successes of today’s Central Coast graduates as they achieve in their professional fields,” she said.
TAFE NSW Regional General Manager, Susie George, highlighted the importance of education at all levels.
"TAFE NSW is very pleased to be a part of the Ourimbah Graduation ceremony again this year, and I am honoured to be delivering the Occasional Address at this event.
“We have 40 students graduating, all of whom are at Diploma level and above, highlighting the opportunity to achieve high level qualifications through TAFE NSW. I wish all participants the very best of success," she said.
Ourimbah ceremony details – Thursday 5 July, Fine Arts Studio:
- 10am: Faculty of Education and Arts, Enabling programs
- 2pm: Faculty of Business and Law, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Faculty of Science, TAFE NSW programs
- 6pm: Faculty of Health and Medicine
*The University of Newcastle’s Ourimbah campus is a joint facility with TAFE NSW.
Related news
- Shanae’s passion for caring delivers her dream to work in health
- Food and nutrition degree serves Keren a rewarding career
- Kicking goals on and off the field, Joeli proves you can do it all
- Proving age is just a number, Arlyn wants to inspire more women in their 50s to pursue education
- Earth Sciences expert Professor Frisia cements global standing
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.