Class of 2021: 46 students graduate from Geraldton Universities Centre

Almost 50 students who know the value of higher education first-hand celebrated being part of Geraldton Universities Centre’s Class of 2021 when they officially graduated last week. Family, friends and the broader community gathered at Queens Park Theatre on April 28 to watch the graduation ceremony for 46 students across various courses, including undergraduate nursing, education, engineering, environmental science, accounting, psychology, social work and post-graduate tertiary and adult education, Master of Teaching and Master of Letters. They join a GUC alumnus of 470 students who have graduated since 2006. In his address, GUC chair Jody Beven said it was GUC’s vision to be recognised for the quality of its education, support and 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 sought after and in most cases employed before they even graduate.” 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,” she said. Ms Myers praised the academic and mentoring support she received from GUC staff. “In terms of an educational team, we have got to have the best of the Mid West,” she said. Bachelor of Education (Secondary) graduate Lloyd Storey spoke of being grateful for the support from family, fellow students and staff at GUC and CQUniversity. “So many of whom have gone beyond their job description to make our journey that much easier,” he 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.” Mr Beven said the model of supported regional university education, which started in Geraldton more than 20 years ago, had expanded to more than 25 centres across the nation, 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 four experts appointed by the Federal Government to create a 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,” Mr Beven said. GRADUATE BREAKDOWN CLASS OF 2021 Nursing: 14 Associate degree in engineering (civil): 1 Bachelor of Engineering Science (civil): 1 Education: 11 Environmental science: 1 Accounting: 1 Human Services: 1 Psychological Science: 3 Bachelor of Science (Psychology): 1 Social Work (Honours): 6 Graduate Certificate in Tertiary and Adult Education: 1 Master of Letters: 1 Master of Teaching: 4