Congratulations to Geraldton Universities Centre's Class of 2024!

The Geraldton Universities Centre (GUC) celebrated the formal graduation of 49 students at the Queens Park Theatre on April 29, 2024.

Family and friends, along with the broader GUC community, joined together for the celebration.

The graduating class of 2024 join an alumnus of 564 students who have graduated through the GUC since inception.

GUC Chair Jody Beven spoke of the tremendous value of this to our local community, citing the innovative model of the GUC which was the catalyst for the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Study Hub Program.

“Since 2018 there has been a Commonwealth funded program to establish university centres – from smaller study hubs to larger more campus style centres like our own – right across Australia.  There’s 34 now providing support to more than 3000 regional, rural, and remote students – 5 of those are in WA creating a network from Albany in the south to Broome in the North. Another 10 hubs received funding to set up just last month,” Mr Beven said.

“GUC is surely always leading the way in this space. “

Speaking on behalf of their peers, graduate speakers Jessica Knight and Kylie Mutter spoke of the commitment to their chosen field of study and the value of being able to complete a degree locally.

“In total, we have devoted 4608 hours to our studies, and we have spent 85 days engaged in professional practice, preparing our skills in classroom settings under the guidance of experienced mentors. These experiences have been invaluable, providing us with the hands-on experience and practical insights necessary to excel in our future careers.” Bachelor of Education (Primary) graduate Jessica Knight said.

Bachelor of Nursing graduate Kylie Mutter spoke of the support given to her to be able to complete her nursing degree despite living 160kms from Geraldton.

“I did not think I would be able to achieve my goal of becoming a nurse, living rurally whilst still being able to spend quality time with my family.  The GUC welcomed me, as a mature-aged student, with open arms, offering alternative options such as Zoom classes for tutorials allowing me to connect from home.”

“Studying with the GUC has enabled us to continue to live in the Midwest and receive the best clinical experience in our region to develop our skills as newly qualified nurses,” Kylie said.

49 graduates completed courses from GUC’s university partners, CQUniversity and University of Southern Queensland, across a wide range of courses. Below is a table outlining the graduates per program.

Congratulations to the graduates of GUC!

Article information obtained from GUC News. Click here to read the original article.