More than 50 students from 21 countries will be farewelled tomorrow following the completion of their studies at the University of Newcastle.
The farewell ceremony provides an opportunity to recognise the achievements of international students as many will not be able to return to Australia for the official graduation ceremonies during the university year.
The students have completed a wide range of programs, from undergraduate degree programs to Masters and PhDs.
Those participating in today's ceremony come from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philipines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, Uganda, the USA and Vietnam. Director of Newcastle International, Tracy McCabe, said the farewell was important recognition of the achievements of the University’s international students.
"The University is proud of its cultural diversity and the ceremony is an ideal way to acknowledge the significant contribution of our international students to the community," Ms McCabe said.
Students will be presented with certificates of participation, recognising the completion of their study and welcoming them into a network of close to 100,000 Alumi living in 95 countries across the globe.
The students will be formally farewelled by the University of Newcastle Chancellor, Professor Trevor Waring, and the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kevin McConkey. Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Barney Glover, will present the Occasional Address.
Photo opportunity: The ceremony will take place at 2pm on Friday 27 June in Edwards Hall, Callaghan campus.
Agustinus Bandur, from Indonesia, is an AusAid student who has just submitted his PhD thesis in Education. His research focus is the implementation of school-based management systems in his home town of Flores to aid the development and improvement of education.
To arrange an interview with Agustinus please call Blythe Hamilton, Media and Public Relations.