Three days, five ceremonies, 1420 graduates, from 13 disciplines – it was a big ask, but not even a global pandemic could stop Murdoch University from congratulating our newest alumni last weekend.

As usual the graduates did not disappoint, striding across the stage to receive their degrees to cheers from friends and family in the audience. 

Murdoch really made the day special, the ceremony was fantastic, and far beyond what I expected.

- Aaron Angel, Bachelor of Communication (Strategic Communication)

For many, it was the culmination of years of hard work through a period of change and uncertainty.

"Despite the unique challenges of the past years, each, and every one of you has remained committed to the task you set yourself right at the start of your higher education journey,” Acting Chancellor Ross Holt told the graduates.

“You are a unique generation. Not only have you had to adapt to new ways of learning – the pandemic has also asked big questions of how we should live, work and interact with our world.

“As a Murdoch graduate, you are better equipped than many to respond creatively, compassionately, and intelligently to these big questions.”

Interim Vice Chancellor, Professor Jane den Hollander AO said the graduating cohort was part of an exceptional generation.

“Graduating as you are into the Fourth Industrial Revolution – Industry 4.0 has been a period of intense and significant social, political, cultural, and economic disruption which is merging the physical, the digital and the biological worlds,” she said.

“None of us know where this will take us but getting educated is a great step towards making sure you can participate and contribute.”

Fittingly, the graduations included 22 doctorate degrees covering a range of topics that answered questions and solved challenges in our community, Australia and beyond.

From the impact of fly-in/fly-out working arrangements, to changing healthcare professionals’ attitudes towards voice hearers, the theses were fascinating.

Dr Elitza Germanov’s research revealed potential threats to Indonesia’s manta ray populations, while Dr Claire Greenwell’s studies on the Australian Fairy Tern determined implications for their conservation.

An in-depth look at the ethics and bias in deepfake games earned Dr Karl Svatos his degree, and Dr Elizabeth Jackson-Barrett delivered valuable learnings that will help move Aboriginal education towards a culturally responsive pedagogy.

Professor den Hollander said the doctorate degrees were the result of dedication, persistence and achievements.

It was a theme echoed at each ceremony by the respective valedictorians who delivered inspiring speeches and celebrated the achievements of their peers.

And finally, as she welcomed the graduates to the fellowship and the privileges offered by their degrees, Professor den Hollander reminded them of the responsibilities also carried.

“As graduates of Murdoch University, I exhort you to use what you have learnt for your own betterment and for the benefit of the community,” she said.

Professor den Hollander encouraged graduates to use their skills and knowledge with integrity and to commit to life of learning and discovery. 

“You graduate today – with your discipline learning and with an astounding array of human skills essential for life and work in a changed and challenging world,” she said.

“Congratulations, we are so very proud of you.”

*Cue confetti, disco lights and inspiring music!