By TOM HAYES
STEPPING into the next chapter of their lives was close to 200 Federation University students who officially graduated at Churchill’s Gippsland Campus on Tuesday, October 15.
The ceremony included students of all courses from both the Gippsland and Berwick campuses, who were a part of the more than 600 Federation University students who graduated this month.
Federation University Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley said he was incredibly proud of the graduates, many of whom juggle study with work, health, and caring responsibilities.
“We offer our congratulations to all students graduating this month and hope they take a moment with family and friends to reflect on all they have achieved,” he said.
“We are delighted to see our graduates celebrate their success and carry their knowledge and passion into their communities.”
One of the students from the graduating class was 38-year-old engineering student, Daniel Onovo, describing his time at Federation University in Gippsland as a “privilege”.
“Initially, I had no prior knowledge of the area, nor did I have friends or family member living there. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the supportive community and interactions I experienced,” he said.
Mr Onovo left his friends and family in southern Nigeria to pursue his studies.
“Although it was a tough decision, I prioritised the education and opportunities that Federation University offered, which would ultimately benefit my future and that of my family,” he said.
Mr Onovo had previously studied while in Nigeria, graduating from Enugu State University of Science and Technology with a Bachelor and Graduate Diploma in Computer and Electrical Engineering.
What stood out to Mr Onovo was Federation University’s seamless admission process, which he described as “professional, efficient, and customer-centric”.
“Their timely responses and excellent communication made my decision easy,” Mr Onovo added.
Graduating with a Master of Engineering Technology in Mechatronics and Industrial Automation, which took two years to complete, Mr Onovo hopes to explore various opportunities and apply his acquired skills within the region.
After two years at Gippsland’s Federation University, Mr Onovo now calls himself a Churchill local, hoping to apply his knowledge to the area.
In the same graduating class was 37-year-old Jasmine Crutchfield, who graduated with a Bachelor of Community and Human Services.
“My experience at Fed Uni was great, supportive, flexible, connected, and responsive,” she said.
Ms Crutchfield endured a lot of change throughout her time at university, beginning in 2019, going through COVID-19, having her first child in 2021, undergoing personal challenges in 2022, then having her second child in 2023.
Originally from Mirboo North, when Ms Crutchfield began her study, she was living in Inverloch, progressing through her units before COVID-19 struck.
Once the pandemic was relived, she moved to Traralgon to pursue her studies in person at the Gippsland campus.
“I was able to access the Fed Uni Children’s Centre for my daughter, which enabled me to have focussed on-campus study time and undertake placement,” Ms Crutchfield said.
She said the fact that the university was local was a massive drawcard for her, as well as aligning to her chosen career path and offering recognition for prior learning.
Ms Crutchfield said her degree “allowed me to consolidate all of my knowledge learned through previous study and work experience”, from her 17 years of experience in the community and services sector.
“It gives me a great platform to continue my education and career,” she said.
Ms Crutchfield currently works for Gippsland Women’s Health, and is the co-founder of a new local business ‘The Collective. Cospace’.
