GUC celebrates the Graduating Class of 2021

Talking Points:

• 46 students graduating from courses supported by the Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) in undergraduate Nursing, Education, Engineering, Environmental Science, Accounting, Psychology, Social Work, and post graduate Tertiary and Adult Education, Master of Teaching, and Master of Letters.

Family and friends, along with the broader community, joined together for the celebration, which saw 46 students formally graduate across various discipline areas at the Queens Park Theatre.

The graduating class of 2021 join an alumnus of 470 students who have graduated through the GUC since 2006

In his address, GUC Chair Jody Beven spoke of GUC’s vision to be recognised for the quality of our education, our support, and our graduates.

“That starts with us all here tonight, spreading the message of this achievement out wider into our community,” Mr Beven said.

“Let our community know that students are receiving personalised, face-to-face academic and pastoral support, leading to retention and completion rates equal to that of metropolitan based universities.  Let them know that our graduates are highly sort after, and in most cases, employed before they even graduate.”

Bachelor of Education (Secondary) graduate Lloyd Storey spoke of the support given to him by family, fellow students, and amazing staff at GUC and CQUniversity.

“So many of whom have gone beyond their job description to make our journey that much easier,” Lloyd said.

“By taking the extra time, you help us to stay in Geraldton with our own support network and ensure that we receive the best possible university education.”

Bachelor of Nursing graduate Taryn Myers chose nursing as her second degree, after completing her first degree in medical science.

“I wanted more, I felt the need to be able to help people at the bedside, instead of sitting in a lab.” Taryn said.

Crediting her success to the academic and mentoring support of GUC staff, Taryn said, “in terms of an educational team, we got to have the best of the Midwest!”

Mr Beven said that the model of supported regional university education that begun in Geraldton over 20 years ago, has now grown to more than 25 centres across the country, with GUC Director Natalie Nelmes leading the way as Chair of the Regional University Network Advisory Committee.  Previous GUC Director Meredith Wills was one of the four expert panelists appointed by the federal government to create the blueprint strategy for Regional Rural and Remote Higher Education now known as the Napthine Review.

“Let them know that we punch above our weight here in Geraldton and that staying home to study is every bit as rewarding as anywhere else,”

Ends.

Graduates per program