Heidi Kraak
While Jeeralang father Tim Fowler has not yet landed the job of his dreams, graduating with his bachelor of environmental science was a “proud moment” for him.
Determined to stay local for work, Mr Fowler was one of more than 250 Federation University Gippsland campus students who graduated over two ceremonies held in the campus auditorium in Churchill on Wednesday.
Mr Fowler hopes to find work in ecosystem conservation, which he said was his passion, or forestry.
“I just love the area,” he said.
Yarragon nursing graduate Elissa Dabkowski also graduated yesterday and was awarded a university medal for outstanding academic achievement.
Also a mother of three, when she started her studies, Ms Dabkowski was concerned with how she would juggle family responsibilities and full-time study.
She said, however, the university services “made it all possible”.
“I made good use of the study skills advisors, the librarians, help desk and even the campus nurse,” she said.
“The academic staff were absolutely brilliant. I found them to be encouraging, supportive and have a wealth of experience behind them. We truly are lucky to have access to a wonderful teaching team here in Gippsland.”
Ms Dabkowski hopes to complete her graduate year and then a postgraduate course in midwifery.
FedUni vice-chancellor and president Professor Helen Bartlett said Gippsland students should be proud of their success and hard work.
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