Mildura students have celebrated the end of their studies and the culmination of many years of sustained effort as part of La Trobe University’s campus graduation ceremony.
The Friday celebration, held at the Mildura Arts Centre, is a significant milestone for the 47 graduates who will advance further into their careers and join the global community of more than 240,000 La Trobe alumni.
La Trobe’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell, said Mildura and the other regional campuses are critical to the University and their communities, providing a significant driver of jobs and economic activity.
“Our regional campuses are integral to La Trobe’s focus on driving student participation and bolstering critical workforces in the region by supporting people’s aspirations to develop new knowledge and skills,” Professor Farrell said.
“The graduation ceremony is the ultimate recognition of hard work and determination, and our graduates are leaving their courses with real-world skills that are highly valued by employers.”
Reflecting La Trobe’s strengths in teaching and research innovation in health and its contribution to the regional workforce, the cohort represented a third of the graduating class while health-related courses, including social work, overall accounted for more than half.
Sandy Connor, Mildura Head of Campus, said many of the graduates have already commenced work in their respective careers.
“These graduating students will play an exciting role in strengthening the workforce and vitality of their local community,” Sandy said.
“Our students foster a profound and lasting connection with La Trobe that extends well beyond graduation.”
The Mildura campus’ strong industry partnerships ensure students, particularly those within health and education, gain the opportunity to integrate theory with practice through various placements.
Sarah Valente graduated with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) after relocating from Loxton in rural South Australia to pursue a teaching career. Sarah is now working as a Grade 1 teacher at Ranfurly Primary School, where she completed her final University placement.
“My transition into a full-time classroom teaching position happened naturally due to the opportunities local placements provided me,” Sarah said.
“Completing placements in the Mildura community was one of the most rewarding aspects of my degree as I was able to develop my skills in four local schools.”
Students graduating with a (Primary) were among the second largest course cohort.