There will be cause for plenty of celebrations at the University of Newcastle (Uon) this week.
From Wednesday 17 to Friday 19 July, more than 1,200 students are donning their caps and gowns during six graduation ceremonies at the Callaghan campus.
The revered institute is also recognising the highest-ever number of pupils graduating with Doctoral degrees, with almost 200 PhD and Master of Philosophy scholars.
As well, the UoN is proudly acknowledging 50 years of Open Foundation, the “university-ready” pathway program that has transformed lives and opened the doors to education and career opportunities for people from all walks of life.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO admitted there was much to be pleased about in 2024.
“I’d like to congratulate all graduates for the commitment to their study and career aspirations,” he said.
“Especially, those graduating from the university’s pathway programs.
“Our Open Foundation students have gone on to become the teachers, nurses, engineers, doctors and other professionals, who have been giving back to our communities not just locally, but across regional Australia and overseas.
“Everyone graduating this week in our Great Hall has made an investment in themselves and their future.
“Whether it’s from a pathway program or with a PhD, they will each reap the benefits of this investment for a lifetime.
“I’m proud the latest graduate outcomes survey shows that more than 90% of our undergraduate, and almost 95% of our postgraduate, students are employed within four months of graduation.
“This is above the national average and an assurance of committing to further studies.
“Given the government’s target of 80% of the nation’s workforce having a university or TAFE qualification by 2050, we are proud to be the blueprint for providing a free pathway to tertiary education.
“Equity is at the heart of what we do at the University of Newcastle.
“With nine out of 10 jobs of the future requiring higher education, it is our priority to ensure that people of all backgrounds have access to education and therefore those career opportunities.”
One such person is Ngaio Stobbs.
She will graduate with a Doctor of Philosophy, the highest level of academic achievement that a student can earn.
But, she started her study journey in her 30s, completing the Open Foundation in 2006.
“As a mum raising three young daughters, I began thinking about my options for earning a living,” Ngaio said.
“I knew I wanted to go to university but what was stopping me was a pathway in, and that’s what Open Foundation was for me.
“Education is a key to a future.
“University and Open Foundation, those are the places that are going to open the doors for you.”
Ngaio will cross the stage proudly representing her cultural heritage, donning her late mother’s Korowai, a traditional Maori cloak made from wax and feathers which has travelled from New Zealand with her family, who have come together to celebrate this momentous occasion.
“My mum was one of my biggest supporters,” she explained.
“She always said to me ‘I can’t wait till you graduate’.
“In our culture, when we go through big events in our eyes, we will wear the Korowai.
“I’m really excited to wear my mum’s Korowai, because I’ve never been given that opportunity before, and in that way, she gets to be with me.”
After being inspired and encouraged by Ngaio, all three of her daughters completed Open Foundation as well as university study and are now working in their fields.
Anyone considering their study options are encouraged to attend University of Newcastle Open Days in August and for those ready to apply, early entry applications are open now.
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