CSU graduates from six faculties and more than 30 courses received their degrees this week. Photo: Charles Sturt University.
Five hundred students from six faculties have celebrated their graduation at Charles Sturt University (CSU) across four days of ceremonies in Wagga Wagga this week.
Undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD degrees were awarded throughout the week, in what CSU Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business, Justice and Behavioural Sciences Professor Lewis Bizo described as “incredibly fulfilling”.
“When we get to see the students graduating and their families joining them, it becomes a very special day,” Professor Bizo said.
“It’s exciting for us because it’s really the purpose of the university to educate people and set them up for the next stage of their lives and their careers.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling and it’s really what makes this job so much fun.”
Professor Bizo was overjoyed at the diversity of students who graduated which included a large number of international students.
“People graduating today have been drawn from all over NSW but outside of the state as well, which is really pleasing,” he said.
“We have a very big cohort of international students and we’re very proud of our ability to educate people from other countries.
“We have a group of students who have joined us from Cambodia, where we have a partnership with the economic and financial institute. They’ve travelled to Wagga with their family and friends and are a very engaged alumni group for us.”
More than 500 students across six ceremonies celebrated at Joyes Hall this week. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Professor Bizo highlighted some of the challenges the graduating students had to face which included an unprecedented period of online learning.
“Students really had to take to the online learning opportunities that became critical to the COVID period,” he said.
“I think the challenge since then has been getting them back into classrooms and re-engaging with people face to face. They’ve obviously succeeded with that otherwise they wouldn’t be here today.”
One of the graduates was Doctor of Philosophy (Science) student and Higher Degree by Research University Medal recipient Jake Fountain who began studying at CSU in 2011.
Dr Fountain said CSU had changed in many ways since his first year of study, but perhaps in no bigger way than its approach to helping students study.
“I think COVID helped with this, and it’s about mental health and supporting students and diverse learners who don’t necessarily learn the same way,” he said.
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