Excitement, joy, and a strong sense of accomplishment filled Notre Dame’s Broome campus as more than 60 students from both higher education and vocational education gathered to celebrate their graduation. Amidst the beauty of the Broome surrounds, the focus was firmly on the students as they marked a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
The event was a celebration of their remarkable achievements and the sense of accomplishment that came with them.
The ceremony commenced with Chancellor Hon. Chris Ellison extending a warm welcome and heartfelt congratulations to the graduates. His words resonated with genuine appreciation for the hard work they had put in to reach this point.
“I hope that this graduation ceremony will remain within your memories as a celebration of your achievements and dedication,” Chancellor Ellison said.
Monsignor Paul Boyers presided over the Graduation Mass that preceded the commencement ceremony. During this mass, the jarrah crosses, soon to be presented to the graduates, were blessed in accordance with tradition. These crosses held symbolic significance, representing both the challenges students had overcome and the successes that awaited them.
Amanda Gatt, a Bachelor of Nursing graduate, delivered the Student Farewell Address. In her speech, she highlighted the bonds of friendship they had formed and the transformative impact of their time at Notre Dame.
"I am happy to say that I have made great friends and now colleagues that will be with me for the long run. You should be extremely proud of yourselves, you took on this daunting commitment and not only made it through but thrived and grew into the amazing professionals that you are today, congratulations," Gatt said.
Vice Chancellor Professor Francis Campbell acknowledged the dedication and effort of both the staff and the graduates that had culminated in this special day. In his address, he focused on three simple yet meaningful words: thank you, congratulations, and hope. These words encapsulated gratitude for their hard work, appreciation for their achievements, and an optimistic outlook for the future.
The ceremony also celebrated the academic excellence of Bobbie Chew Bigby, who received a Doctor of Philosophy for her research in Indigenous-led tourism. Her work shed light on the connections between tourism and resurgence discourses within the context of Karajarri traditional owners of the saltwater Kimberley region.
Media Contact: media@nd.edu.au