Graduates ready to paint their own futures

Kathryn Dolby always knew she could draw, paint and create.

But now, after completing her Bachelor of Visual Arts at Southern Cross University, she has taken her art practice to the next level.

Ms Dolby will be one of about 480 Southern Cross University students attending graduation ceremonies at the University’s Lismore campus this Saturday.

Recently awarded the Lismore Regional Gallery Graduate Award at the University’s Transit exhibition for her installation, Fluid and Fixed, Ms Dolby said her Southern Cross University experience had helped her grow as a person and opened her eyes to the world.

“For me, the most rewarding thing about attending Southern Cross University was the diversity. I’ve met so many people from so many different places with similar interests to me and made lifelong friends along the way,” she said.

“My teachers challenged me and stretched my imagination wide, making me more confident as a person and as an artist.

“Now I feel prepared to make the next step in my career and the University has given me a great foundation for this next transition to becoming a studio artist.”

Running from 9am to 4.30pm, the graduation ceremonies will include all of the University’s academic schools.

Awards will be conferred by the University’s Chancellor, Mr Nick Burton Taylor AM, who was installed as Chancellor in September this year, and the Deputy Chancellor Mr John Shanahan.

Several doctorates will be presented and former Deputy Chancellor Trevor Wilson and former state and federal politician Neville Newell will receive the award of Honorary Fellow.

The Deputy Chancellor will confer the honorary title of Emeritus Professor on Dr Colleen Cartwright, a retired Southern Cross University academic who completed ground-breaking work in the aged care sector.

Mr Wilson, Mr Newell, Professor Cartwright and the 2014 Young Alumnus of the Year Benedict Coyne will each deliver an occasional address.

Details: Lismore graduation details – Saturday 29 November 2014

9am: School of Education, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management

11.30am: School of Arts and Social Sciences, Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples, Southern Cross Business School

2pm: School of Environment, Science and Engineering, School of Health and Human Sciences, School of Law and Justice, Southern Cross GeoScience, Southern Cross Plant Science

4.30pm: Bachelor of Nursing
Photo: Kathryn Dolby is ready to move forward in her art practice after completing her degree at Southern Cross University.