Curtin University held a pre-graduation ceremony for all students from the Centre for Aboriginal Studies (CAS) last night, Tuesday 22nd February.
The students were presented with certificates before their official graduation at The Forum and graduated from a range of studies including education, science and human resources.
CAS student Kimberley Mickelo, who lives and works in Brisbane, commenced her course in 2007, was looking forward to graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science Indigenous Community Management and Development.
“I’m excited to have finished and I am looking forward to a lot of exciting changes and opportunities,” Kimberley said.
“While graduation signifies a new beginning, it is a sad moment, because I have made wonderful friends and memories, and we are all going our separate ways.
“My mother also came from Brisbane to attend the ceremony with me and to join in the celebrations.
“This is her first visit to Western Australia and she is ecstatic to see me graduate after three years of intense study.”
The 27-year-old plans to continue working in Indigenous communications.
“I plan on maintaining my current position in Indigenous communications and changing the way we produce materials reaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities,” she said.
CAS Director, Associate Professor Simon Forrest said he was proud to see so many Indigenous students graduating.
“The students have worked tirelessly and achieved some fantastic results in their chosen area of study,” he said.
More than 20 students graduated from CAS on Tuesday night.
Dr Cheryl Kickett -Tucker from Pindi Pindi – The National Research Centre for Aboriginal Children, Families and Community was the guest speaker at the ceremony.
Curtin has one of the highest enrolments of Indigenous students studying at any university in Australia.
Note to media: Photos are available on request.
Contacts:
Bonnie Ripper, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 4364, Mobile: 0401 103 373, Email: b.ripper@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
