On Saturday night, the great granddaughter of John Curtin, former Prime Minister of Australia, graduated from the university that honours his name, Curtin University.
Rebecca Curtin, aged 21, received a Bachelor of Arts (Mass Communication) at a ceremony that saw her join with almost 600 graduating students from Curtin’s Humanities faculty.
During her four years at Curtin, Rebecca was heavily involved the John Curtin Leadership Academy (JCLA), a leadership development program for community minded university students.
“As part of JCLA I worked with a team of students to organise a 10 hour music festival in Fremantle that raised funds for music programs in Aboriginal communities.
“I can’t speak highly enough of JCLA and the values it teaches Curtin students.”
Midway through her degree, Rebecca took part in a six month student exchange at University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom.
“Studying in the UK gave me the opportunity to explore Europe, an experience that will stay with me for life.
“I believe my involvement with JCLA and my travels abroad have prepared me well for future career and study opportunities.”
Rebecca said it was rewarding to complete her degree at the university that celebrates her great grandfather’s achievements.
“My great grandfather had an extraordinary career, one that started in the field of journalism.
“It is such a dynamic time to be studying journalism as the way we consume media is evolving so quickly.”
For the immediate future, Rebecca will continue her studies with a Post Graduate Diploma in Broadcasting at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
As for following her great grandfather into a career in politics, Rebecca said it is not something she would rule out.
“I am interested in global and community issues however politics is not something that should be rushed into; I have more travelling and learning to do before I cross that bridge.”
Note to editors:
About John Curtin Leadership Academy
The John Curtin Leadership Academy (JCLA) is Curtin University’s outstanding values based student leadership program named in honour of Australia’s World War II Prime Minister, John Curtin. JCLA gives students leadership skill training, an understanding of the workplace and leading edge skills in the job market. It encourages entrepreneurial spirit as teams of students partner with not for profit organisations to undertake significant community projects.
The academy produces confident graduates who have the network and skills to be immediately effective and productive. Graduates who not only excel in their academic discipline, but have demonstrated:
• Leadership skills
• Commitment to success
• A passion for community involvement.
Pictured (from left to right): Vice Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket, John Curtin (Rebecca’s father), Rebecca Curtin, Josephine Curtin (Rebecca’s mother), Chancellor Dr Jim Gill.
Media Contact:
Gracie Daniel, Public Relations Consultant, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 3353, Email: gracie.daniel@curtin.edu.au
