Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks awarded more than 200 Vice Chancellor’s Commendations for Academic Excellence at an uplifting ceremony at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre last night.
Since 1994, the awards have recognised the top two per cent of students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree, who have also achieved a high percentage of units with High Distinction and a high Grade Point Average.
Professor Deeks said he was “delighted” to present the awards, his first for Murdoch, which celebrated “personal achievement, perseverance, and purpose.”
“This important accolade shows you are among our university’s best and brightest, and means you can look to the future with confidence,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor reflected on the words of the Honourable Kim Beazley, Governor of Western Australia, who, at his recent investiture ceremony, quoted the great Irish poet W. B. Yeats: “education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
“I encourage you to see this award as stoking your fire,” Professor Deeks said.
“Use it to burn brighter and higher.
“And keep your fire burning, because whether you are a student, teacher, researcher or in the workplace - your knowledge, skills and critical thinking are very much needed and valued.”
Along with celebrating the students’ achievements, the awards ceremony was an important opportunity to pay tribute to the academic and professional staff who guided them, and to thank family, friends and mentors for their encouragement.
“Your support of our students has been, and continues to be, critical to their success at university and in life, and I’m sure it is very much appreciated,” Professor Deeks said.
“You are our students’ greatest champions and you are very much part of the Murdoch community.”