The University of Wollongong is going all out to acknowledge and celebrate graduates who have missed out on in-person ceremonies due to COVID-19.
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UOW will host in-person graduation ceremonies at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on April 28 and WIN Entertainment Centre (WEC) from May 2-4.
So far 2534 students have registered to attend these upcoming graduation ceremonies.
UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M Davidson said this will be the first time that UOW has held graduation ceremonies in the city centre of Wollongong rather than the University Hall.
"We know that the pandemic meant that many of our students missed the opportunity for an in-person graduation ceremony and as a result, UOW graduation will look a little different this year," Professor Davidson said.
"For the first time ever, UOW will bring our 2019, 2020 and 2021 graduates into the heart of our city, as we take over the WIN Entertainment Centre for our prestigious graduation ceremonies in May.
"We couldn't be prouder to showcase our wonderful city to both our graduates and their families on this momentous occasion."
UOW has collaborated with Wollongong City Council and Destination Wollongong on this project and expects over 10,000 people to visit Wollongong for these events.
The area around the WEC will be dressed with graduation flags and signage to celebrate the achievements of graduates.
Wollongong Lighthouse will also be lit up as a gift to graduates.
This year UOW also collaborated with Woolyungah Indigenous Centre and local Aboriginal community members as part of UOW's Reconciliation Action Plan.
Aboriginal artwork created by Aunty Lorraine Brown and Aunty Narelle Thomas from Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation has been weaved into the graduation ceremonies.
The graduation ceremonies will commence with an academic procession, which will be led by the Aboriginal community undertaking a smoking ceremony, engaging in song and sharing sounds of the Yidaki.
The smoking ceremony will conclude on stage. This will be followed by a Welcome to Country and graduation proceedings.
Internationally recognised producer and entertainment executive Michael Cassel will receive an Honorary Award from UOW and will be a guest speaker.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
