Record number of First Nations students will graduate this year in Alice Springs

A record number of students will graduate in Alice Springs this week, with over 20 per cent of the cohort being First Nations.

Almost 400 graduates, 80 of which are First Nations, will mark the success of their academic journey at ceremonies this week.

The First Nations Leadership Valedictory Ceremony that celebrates CDU’s First Nations graduating students will open the graduation ceremony.

First Nations CDU student Donna Lemon, a proud Arrernte/Warumungu/Maori woman will address this year’s graduating First Nations.

Ms Lemon left school in year 10, but after finishing an internship with Redfern Dance Company, she decided to return to Alice Springs to continue her education.

This week she graduates from CDU with a Diploma of Business, Diploma of Leadership and Management and Diploma of Human Resource Management.

She said that she hoped her learning journey would inspire others.

“I left school in year 10 to pursue other opportunities, I was young and didn’t realise the impact not finishing High School would have on my future,” Ms Lemon said.

“When I came back home, my home life wasn’t great I knew I wanted to be the person in my family who broke this cycle but without a High School diploma and in desperate need of a job, I had to look at other options.”

“This is when I found out about the TAFE programs at CDU, I enrolled in a Certificate IV in Business which has given me the confidence, knowledge and opportunity to build a new life for myself and my family,” she said.

Almost 30 years later Ms Lemon has continued her studies with CDU and is excited to attend graduation for the first time.

“I think it is important that we as First Nation’s students are able to celebrate our achievements together on country, and I am looking forward to the ceremony,” Ms Lemon said.

CDU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership and Engagement, Professor Reuben Bolt will be at the Valedictory Ceremony to celebrate the students’ success. 

“It is critically important to acknowledge the achievements of our students. Their success is our success, and we must celebrate with them as they move onto the next chapter of their lives to make a difference in their community. We are extremely proud,” Professor Bolt said.

The First Nations Valedictory ceremony will precede CDU’s Graduation Ceremony on Thursday June 15 in Alice Springs. 

For more information visit: cdu.edu.au/current-students/student-admin/graduations