Graduation 2011

Special anniversary marks Moss Vale’s graduation celebration

The University of Wollongong at Moss Vale recognised the achievements of its graduating students on 8 December at a special graduation celebration held at the Moss Vale Services Club.

The celebration marked 10 years since the Moss Vale campus was established and included speeches from the Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister for Women, Pru Goward, and Sydney-based writer Dr Giulia Giuffre.

Proceedings were opened by UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Rob Castle, who provided a brief outline on the history of UOW’s satellite campuses.

He highlighted how the University over the years has witnessed outstanding results from students undertaking studies at the satellite campuses.

“It was something we could never have predicted when we started this overall project,” Professor Castle said.

Dr Giuffre addressed the students on ‘The Art of Graduation’. Dr Giuffre majored in English, French and Italian literature at the University of Sydney and was awarded a travelling scholarship to the UK and gained her doctorate from Oxford University.

She has taught in English and Australian literature at various universities including the Moss Vale campus, Oxford and Yale.

Ms Goward, who presented the Occasional Address is an economist by training and a broadcaster by practice, who spent 19 years with the ABC as a reporter and national political commentator for television and radio. In 2001 Ms Goward was awarded a Centenary Medal for her services to journalism and women’s rights. She received an Honorary Doctorate of Business from Charles Sturt University in 2007.

Professor Castle thanked Dr Giuffre and Pru Goward by presenting them with copies of Nick Hartgerink’s book celebrating the 60^th anniversary of UOW.

Faculty of Commerce and School of Mathematics and Statistics tutor Richard Kenderdine, who has taught at Moss Vale since it opened was acknowledged for his completion of a PhD.

Bachelor of Arts student Lee-Anne Harris, who is the recipient of a range of scholarships, gave the Student Address.

She reflected on her three year university experience. Lee-Anne has managed to sustain a high academic record while continuing to run a successful demolition company with her husband, caring for her children and engaging in ongoing voluntary work at their school.

“One of my main objectives has been to demonstrate to my children that if you want something and are willing to work hard enough you can achieve anything,” she said.

Ms Harris paid special thanks to the “open door policy” of Sonia Sense who is the Manager of the Moss Vale campus.