After years of hard work and dedication, 70 students – including one PhD candidate – from La Trobe University’s Mildura campus are set to graduate in a ceremony at Mildura Arts Centre on Monday.
The ceremony will see the graduands – along with a further 12 graduating in absentia – celebrate the completion of a wide range of courses, including Business, Education, Nursing, Social Work, Arts and Early Childhood Education.
Postgraduate degrees will also be awarded in Business and Midwifery, as well as several diplomas.
A higher-than-normal proportion of this year’s Bachelor of Nursing graduates are male, bringing greater diversity to the regional health workforce. Of the 27 nursing students graduating, 7 are male, or around 26 per cent.
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO said he was delighted to see Mildura students marking this major milestone.
“Despite the challenges of recent years, our students in Mildura have persevered and should feel deservedly proud of their achievements,” Professor Dewar said.
“The majority of students graduating today will stay in regional communities to live and work, helping to address skills shortages, particularly in healthcare and education.”
“With the recent announcement of funding for the expansion of our Mildura campus, we look forward to even more students being able to pursue their studies here, in areas such as nursing and biomedical science,” Professor Dewar said.
Acting Head of the Mildura Campus, Sandra Connor, said it was wonderful to see students celebrating their achievements with friends and family.
“Our graduates have worked incredibly hard, and throughout their studies have taken part in placements and Work Integrated Learning, already contributing to the local community,” Ms Connor said.
Ms Connor said it was an exciting time for the campus, and the community.
“With the introduction of a Bachelor of Biomedical Science in 2024, and expanded labs for our nursing students, we look forward to boosting workforce in regional hospitals and community health centres.
“All today’s graduating registered nurses have already secured employment, with 22 employed by local health services. It’s also great to see more male students recognising the benefits of this rewarding and vital profession.”
In addition to those graduating in Mildura this week, La Trobe students in Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga have already graduated this month, with more graduands set to don caps and gowns in Shepparton next week.
