Murdoch graduates donned caps and gowns to pick up their degrees and celebrate their success at graduation ceremonies in the heart of Perth.
More than 600 graduates joined Murdoch’s global alumni community at two glittering graduation ceremonies held at Perth’s RAC Arena.
Among them were 35 PhD researchers marking the completion of research in their chosen field.
For every student, a graduation ceremony is the ultimate culmination of years of hard work and dedication.
Giving students the chance to safely celebrate their achievements in front of their friends and family has been a major priority.
With Phase 4 COVID-19 restrictions still in place in Western Australia, Murdoch University worked hard to find safe and creative ways to make the celebrations as special as ever.
With physical distancing protocols in place the ceremonies looked a little different this year, with chairs for graduands needing to be spaced 1.5m apart and plenty of hand sanitiser available around the Arena.
The changes didn’t detract from the celebrations, which were as momentous as ever.
In her address, Murdoch Vice Chancellor Eeva Leinonen thanked graduates for their understanding, patience and adaptability during this challenging year. She said that while this period has tested us like no other in living memory, she was confident about many things.
“The dedication and purpose you have displayed in pursuing your studies will act as a ballast through times good and bad for the rest of your lives,” Professor Leinonen said.
“The specialist skills and knowledge you have acquired throughout your University education will help you live a good life.
You have chosen a University which has creative and free thinking at its core. With your ability to think creatively about problems, you are well equipped to contribute to solutions that will help overcome the many challenges the world faces.
“I have no doubt you will make a positive contribution in a multitude of ways.”
The ceremonies were a chance for students to reflect on the past few years and look forward as they embark upon exciting new endeavours.
“I’m sure that this last semester was not the way you thought you would finish off your university studies, and yet we have overcome all of the challenges to be here tonight to celebrate this wonderful achievement,” valedictorian Lani Davis said.
It was a sentiment echoed by her fellow valedictorian Jessica Caccetta.
“Tonight marks the end of a chapter for us all, yet it is also the beginning of an exciting and unique new one,” she said.
Remember how much you have already learnt, how much you have grown and just how capable you all are to tackle the challenges ahead.”
As our graduates move into the next chapter of their lives, we have no doubt they will be able to reach their full potential with the solid grounding they have gained at our University.