Dad provides inspiration for University medallist

Justin Gaetano never dreamed he would complete a university degree, let alone be preparing to receive a University Medal at his graduation at Southern Cross University’s Coffs Harbour campus tomorrow (Saturday, June 4).

Justin, who has also now started a PhD, said he had never considered going to university when he was at school. It was only when his father, at the age of 51, began a Bachelor of Nursing that he also considered the possibility.

“My dad who migrated from Italy to Australia was the first in his family to go to university and he started at the age of 51. He was originally working at the Coffs Harbour hospital doing security. He really liked the people and wanted to apply those skills and become a nurse. He graduated in 2009 and he’s now working at the hospital and hasn’t looked back,” Justin said.

“I didn’t really have any interest in university until he started studying. I was working in a cheese factory in Bega. I was quite sick of the work in the factory and had always had an interest in science and people. I thought if he can start studying at the age of 51 and he doesn’t have an academic background then so can I. That was an inspiration in itself.”

Justin, who by that stage had one child with his partner, moved back to Coffs Harbour and completed the Preparing for Success course at Southern Cross University before beginning his psychology degree.

“It was a few years since high school and it’s very different to university study so I was very thankful for that preparatory course. I have really loved studying and was pleasantly surprised by the scientific focus.

“I love the research and now I am doing a PhD. That’s another thing that still kind of surprises me. When I was in school I never would have seen myself at this level, it kind of blows my mind. I am proud and humbled at the same time.

“I want to show other people they shouldn’t underestimate what they can achieve.”

Justin is now involved in the University’s mentoring programs, talking to high school students about the possibilities of university education.

On Saturday, Justin will be joined by his partner and two children and his father, as he celebrates his graduation and the University Medal, which is awarded for candidates who have completed a First Class Honours degree and who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability.

He will be among more than 200 graduands who will have their awards conferred by the Chancellor The Hon John Dowd AO QC at two graduation ceremonies, starting at 10am at the Coffs Harbour campus. The ceremonies will be held in the Student Sport Centre.

Another highlight of the event will be the conferring of the award of Honorary Fellow on Warren Grimshaw, for his contribution to Southern Cross University.

Mr Grimshaw has had an extensive career across in the education sector, influencing the development of policy across schools, TAFE and universities. He has also been instrumental in the formulation of new approaches to teacher education, nurse education, and adult and community education.

In 1985, Warren Grimshaw was appointed as Secretary and Department Head of the NSW Ministry of Education. In 1994, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours Lists in June 1994.

Mr Grimshaw was appointed executive director of the Coffs Harbour Education Campus in April 1995 and has been a member of the Southern Cross University Council from 2000.

Ceremony details, Saturday, June 4

10am
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
School of Education
School of Health and Human Sciences

Occasional Address: Mr Warren Albert Grimshaw AM will deliver the Occasional Address.

2pm
Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples
School of Arts and Social Sciences
School of Environmental Science and Management
Faculty of Business and Law
Graduate College of Management
School of Commerce and Management
School of Law and Justice
School of Tourism and Hospitality Management

Occasional Address: Professor David Lynch BEd, MEd(School Admin), DipTeach(JCU), EdD(CQU), FAACLM, MACE, Head of Campus, Coffs Harbour, will deliver the Occasional Address.

Photo: Justin Gaetano receives his graduation dress from Benita Morris,from the Coffs Harbour Student Assocation.