SCU, where dreams come true: Lismore graduation celebrates student achievements

Disney World’s motto is famous - it’s the place “where dreams come true” - and for Southern Cross University’s Jammi-Lee Scott that has come to fruition.

Completing an internship at Disney World was her wildest dream and, thanks to the support of the University, it was one that came true.

Ms Scott is one of 500 students graduating from Southern Cross University at Lismore tomorrow (Saturday November 28).

The ceremony will see students from the Schools of Business and Tourism, Education, Law and Justice, Arts and Social Sciences, Environment, Science and Engineering, Health and Human Sciences, Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples and SCU College graduate.

Eight PhDs will also be awarded.

The Honourable Don Page, who was the state Member for Ballina for 27 years, will also receive the award of Honorary Doctor of the University for his contribution to state politics, and his commitment to SCU from its inception as a University, when he was appointed one of two Parliamentary Members of the Interim Council.

For Ms Scott, 25, coming to Southern Cross University has been a life-changing experience. Not only was she able to live her dream at Disney World, she has now stepped into her dream job.

“I heard about the Disney College Program through a friend, and I applied through the Disney College Program website. I was accepted, and my program started in August 2014,” said Ms Scott, who completed the Bachelor of Business (Convention and Event Management).

“I was granted approval to use Disney for my internship units by the University’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) team and away I went to Florida.

“I worked at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and I was there for five months. I worked closely with Tinkerbell and Mickey Mouse, and I also directed guests during the parades and firework shows.

“I recently gained a position as an Events Administrator with CTM Events in Broadbeach at the Gold Coast. We host the Food and Wine Expo and the Health, Harmony, Soul Expo on the Gold Coast every year, as well as in Newcastle, Canberra and Perth.

“I've always been a planner – I've been planning parties and events since I was a child – and I chose Southern Cross University because it offered the degree I wanted.

“The University also provides entry options for non-school leavers, with flexible study options and passionate teachers.”

Lismore graduation – order of ceremonies:

9am: School of Business and Tourism; Occasional address by Mr David Smithers AM

11:30am: School of Education; School of Law and Justice; Occasional address by the Honourable Don Page.

2pm: School of Arts and Social Sciences; School of Environment, Science and Engineering; School of Health and Human Sciences; Occasional address by Mr Julian Gray, CEO Rainforest Rescue.

4:30pm: Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples; School of Health and Human Sciences (Nursing); SCU College; Occasional address by Mrs Anna Dicker, Medicins Sans Frontieres.
Photo: Jammi-Lee Scott poses with her colleague Tinkerbell at Disney World in Florida.