The third cohort to graduate under Federation University Gippsland since Monash University left the Churchill campus walked into the auditorium to the sound of bagpipes on Thursday, May 24.
Over two ceremonies last week, 218 students in robes and mortarboards received their new qualifications.
FedUni is the smallest university in Victoria and opened its Gippsland campus in 2014.
The university has campuses in Gippsland and Ballarat.
Bagpiper Richard Harris led the academic procession down the halls to the auditorium which included FedUni chancellor Paul Hemming and Latrobe City councillor Kellie O’Callaghan.
Two graduates became University Medallists on the day including 50-year-old Warragul nurse Libby Miller. The mother of three and administration worker sought a “life change” after her children finished their education. She enrolled in nursing after completing a bridging course as she never went through year 12.
This year she is taking on a research project for honours looking into the needs of carers for someone palliating at home.
“You’re never too old to start a new career and as long as you work hard and you totally apply yourself you’re never too old to come back to uni, change your career and do something you really want to do,” Ms Miller said.
The other University Medallist was biomedical science student Joseph Miller who grew up in Trafalgar.
The University Medal is the highest academic award for graduating students and is awarded to those who have shown consistently exceptional academic achievement.
FedUni vice-chancellor Helen Bartlett said the university was so delighted many of its graduates remained in their community.
“In total, 68 per cent of bachelor level and 63 per cent of postgraduate-level FedUni graduates will go on to work in our regional areas,” Professor Bartlett said.
Eleven PhD students graduated from FedUni this year.
