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India Glyde
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Graduating class of 2020 engaging with virtual ceremonies
Thousands of students will celebrate the end of their studies tonight (Thursday 4 March) when the University of Wollongong holds a virtual graduation event that recognises the immense achievements of students who would have completed their studies in 2020.
All graduates from the past year have been invited to take part in the virtual celebration, which will recognise undergraduate and postgraduate students across UOW's four faculties.
The University's in-person graduation ceremonies were unable to be held last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The virtual graduation events are tailored to each of UOW's four faculties and will feature messages of congratulations from UOW's Chancellor Christine McLoughlin, UOW's Vice- Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings CBE as well as UOW staff and members of the alumni community, including the Honorable Michael Kirby AC CMG.
UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings CBE said the students who completed their studies in 2019 and 2020 have demonstrated resilience and strength in dealing with the challenges presented by the pandemic.
"Congratulations to each and every one of the students who are celebrating completing their studies with UOW during the virtual event," Professor Wellings said.
"The last year has been incredibly difficult and stressful as students confronted the extraordinary circumstances of living and studying through a pandemic.
"Graduation is a time of immense pride for all of us here at UOW as we celebrate the achievements of our student body. I am proud of how our students' resilience and strength shown through the circumstances of the last year. I look forward to seeing the impact that our talented graduates have on the world."
Sophie Whittaker is one graduate who will be logging on to the virtual graduation on Thursday evening.
For five years, Sophie juggled her studies with her role as a Management Cadet at UOW. She will be celebrating her graduation with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) after completing her studies in 2019 (and was scheduled to graduate in 2020). Since then, Sophie has been working as an Associate to a Judge of the Supreme Court of NSW.
"I will be logging on and attending virtually," Sophie said. "Even though I wish I could be graduating in person, it is great that the University is celebrating the achievements of all the students who finished their studies in 2020 and is providing students and their families with an opportunity to be part of a ceremony, albeit a new age one."
Sophie was also awarded a University Medal, from the Faculty of Business and Law, for her outstanding academic achievements.
"I was incredibly happy to find out I had received the medal," she said. "I am looking forward to that achievement being recognised at the virtual ceremony. This will be a proud moment for me to share with those who have helped me along the way."
Main photo: UOW graduate Sophie Whittaker, who will be watching the virtual ceremony.
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