New generation of graduates in Adelaide from CDU’s first ceremony since COVID-19

Charles Darwin University (CDU) graduation is back in Adelaide, and this year the University is celebrating more than 200 students graduating from across South Australia.

The Adelaide Convention Centre will host the CDU graduation ceremony, the first one since COVID-19.  

The ceremony will recognise graduands across several disciplines including law, education, health and research, with more than 130 expected to walk across the stage.  

Many of these graduates are already making an impact in their fields while filling workforce shortages and shaping their futures.  

One of those students is Harrison Sweeney, a Bachelor of Education Primary graduate who is currently working at a Special Education school in Whyalla, a small regional town in South Australia.  

Mr Sweeney said having grown up in a regional town he saw the importance of education and the impact quality teachers can have and he wanted to help give back to his community.

“Living in a regional town you grow up with diverse populations from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and I saw how education can impact not only individuals, but whole families and I thought it was something I wanted to be a part of,” Mr Sweeney said.  

After completing high school, Mr Sweeney began working as a teacher's assistant, and when he started to look at tertiary education options, CDU seemed to be the best fit.

“The reality is that most students need to work while studying. CDU’s flexible study options fit my needs, and I was able to study while working,” Mr Sweeney said.  

“CDU prepared me to work in a diverse and modern teaching environment and offered support and opportunities that have shaped my professional and personal life.”  

CDU Acting Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Fiona Coulson said Mr Sweeney’s story was not an isolated case, and this graduation highlights the importance of having access to flexible learning.

“It is important for us as a University to recognise and celebrate all our students. A lot of the students who are graduating today studied online, while juggling work and life commitments,” Professor Coulson said.  

“These graduates show that having access to flexible and adaptable study options can lead to positive learning outcomes.

“The qualifications these graduates receive today reflect the time, energy and often sacrifices they have had to make to reach this milestone.  I acknowledge their efforts together with the support they received from family, friends and colleagues.”