27 June 2023

Where will your studies take you? Meet some of our recent graduates

Here at Deakin, we are constantly inspired by our diverse student population and driven to help you make the most of your time at uni. University study – despite its inherent challenges – is a highly rewarding life experience and precursor to career progression, which is why we’re proud to be part of this journey for students from all walks of life.

Whether you’re just starting out or nearing the end of your degree, we are excited to help you reach your future goals and congratulate our latest round of graduates!

Graduation ceremonies were held last week at Costa Hall at Geelong Waterfront Campus on 20 and 21 June 2023, with more than 1100 of the 2400 graduates attending to celebrate this significant milestone.

‘Obtaining a university degree is a huge accomplishment and we are always excited to see our graduates go out and take their place in the community,’ said Deakin Vice-Chancellor, Professor Iain Martin (right) of our completing students.

Among those at the Geelong ceremonies last week were mature-age students Simon Moore and Dr Wendy Crebbin, proving it’s never too late to pursue your chosen path.

Simon, who formerly worked in hospitality and juggled his studies with parenting responsibilities, was excited to be taking on his new graduate nursing role at the age of 40 with Barwon Health in post-anaesthetic care – his first preference of post-graduation opportunities.

‘We had just moved from Melbourne when I started studying at Deakin’s Waterfront campus and this really cements our future as a family living in Geelong,’ Simon told the Geelong Advertiser last week. 

Simon said completing his degree will allow him to fulfil his dream of giving back to people in his community – his initial motivating force for undertaking his Bachelor of Nursing. 

‘I realised I wanted to be working more closely with people and providing real support in times of need,’ he said.

Graduating with her second PhD (at the age of 80!), Dr Crebbin (left) said she was ‘very proud of myself that I got through it’.

Following on from a successful career in teacher education, Dr Crebbin’s doctoral research in medicine focused on collaboratively developing a model of clinical decision-making.

Being such a seasoned student, we asked Dr Crebbin if she had any advice for students who might be considering undertaking a PhD in future?

‘Just go for it. Believe in yourself. Expect that you will get writer’s blocks along the way and accept those for what they are. Talk to other people. Talk about what you’re doing as that often helps you clarify your thoughts.’

We’re also proud to hear more about what our newly-minted graduates are achieving post-Deakin.

Recent Geelong graduate Amgad Ajak, a first generation migrant from South Sudan and the first person in his family to graduate from university, has since been employed by a law firm in Melbourne. Reflecting on his momentous personal achievement, Amgad recalls his family were ‘very excited’ on his initial admission to uni.

‘My family were always asking how the experience was – it was kind of like living through me and seeing how that stage of life goes,’ Amgad recently recounted to the Geelong Advertiser. 

Congratulations to our recent graduates and we wish you all the very best in your future endeavours!

Learn more about graduating from Deakin via the Current Students website. You can also view more graduation snapshots on Deakin’s Instagram account via #deakingrad.