Students celebrate graduation at Lismore campus

Family and friends joined the celebrations on Saturday as more than 400 Southern Cross University students graduated from Arts, Business, and Health and Applied Sciences courses at the Lismore campus.

Four graduation ceremonies were held on the day, with the University Chancellor the Honourable John Dowd AO presenting the awards.

The Right Honourable Ian Sinclair AC, who gave the occasional address for the Division of Business ceremony at 11.30am, was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters in recognition of his distinguished contribution to the Australian community.

Mr Sinclair is one of Australia's most respected political figures, having served as the Federal Member for New England for 35 years. He was also the leader of the National Party and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Southern Cross University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Clark said Mr Sinclair had made an enormous contribution to rural communities throughout Northern New South Wales and Australia.

In his address, Mr Sinclair told graduates they were part of a globalised world, and that their studies at Southern Cross University provided them with a genuine opportunity to use their knowledge to enhance the world around them.

"You have the ability to think beyond present practice and devise innovative solutions," Mr Sinclair said.

University medals were awarded to Kim Adams, Bachelor of Business Tourism (Honours); Nigel Hayes, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours); Carolyne Lewis, Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours); Richard Stewart, Bachelor of Laws (Honours); Leon Ludwig, Bachelor of Education (Honours): Martin Robson, Bachelor of Social Science (Honours); Alison Graham, Bachelor of Contemporary Music/Bachelor of Laws (Honours); Sue Higginson, Bachelor of Laws (Honours); and Astra Jerebine, Bachelor of Education (Honours).

Also presented on Saturday was the Bundjalung Prize, which was awarded to Jacquie Welch and Chris Binge for their significant contribution to communities located in Bundjalung lands.

Southern Cross University will have another graduation ceremony at the Lismore campus on Saturday, April 23.

Media information contact: Helen Hughes, SCU Media, 0418 431484.