A thousand smiles at Adelaide graduation

A thousand smiles at Adelaide graduation

On Tuesday 23 November 2021, we held our largest in-person graduation to date in Adelaide, with almost 900 graduates finally getting the opportunity to don their cap and gown and walk across the stage to graduate from our Business, Hospitality, Design, Health, and Education courses.

On Tuesday 23 November 2021, we held our largest in-person graduation to date in Adelaide, with almost 900 graduates finally getting the opportunity to don their cap and gown and walk across the stage to graduate from our Business, Hospitality, Design, Health, and Education courses. Some have been waiting since the beginning of COVID to have this experience. They were joined by 1600 family and friends, and staff from our Adelaide campuses.

Unexpected curveball requires creative solution

At the last minute, we were thrown an unexpected curveball with changes to the venue's vaccination requirements meaning that students and guests who were not double vaccinated would not be able to attend the event. Vice Chancellor, Professor Alwyn Louw was steadfast in his resolve that we needed to find a solution so that those students did not miss out on this significant milestone in their lives.


Our National Events Team and staff on the ground in Adelaide moved mountains to create a pop-up graduation ceremony on campus, demonstrating unwavering courage, determination, and creativity to ensure that all our students in Adelaide had a memorable graduation experience.

Our inspirational graduates

At the Business and Hospitality graduation, graduate speaker Ervin John Espiritu Gonzales (Master of Business Information Systems) saluted the courage of his peers and urged them to follow their passion.

“Our passion doesn’t have to be limited to just one thing – it can change just as we age and change ourselves.” 

Gabriel Agudah (Bachelor Applied Science – Community Service) elicited a huge cheer from the graduates at the Design, Health and Education ceremony when he paid tribute to his role model, Debbie Smith, and the entire Torrens University faculty. 

“I asked her ‘how is it that you are kind and always going out of your way for your students’ - she paused and smiled and said, ‘I will always continue doing good and leave the rest for the universe to judge’,” said Gabriel. 

“She continues to be a positive influence on my life to date."

A number of graduates were celebrated for their outstanding academic achievements, including Ekaspreet Kiran, who received the Excellence Award - Postgraduate. The Master of Business Information Systems graduate was applauded not just for their academic results, but for their positive attitude and for exemplifying the notion that "hard work pays off". 

Torrens University staff among the graduates

It was also exciting to see many staff members, including four PhD students, who officially mark the completion of their studies on Tuesday. It is wonderful to see so many people taking up the opportunity to advance their knowledge and skills and at the same time experience first-hand what it is like to be a student at Torrens University. 

We are so proud of the National Events Team and all the staff on the ground in Adelaide, led by Kelly Cairns, Donna Haylock, Vaughn Koen, Asha Andrado, Nicolette Harrison, Helen Jones, Sheryl Singh, Sebastian Pabon, who worked together to make each ceremony special for our graduates and their families and friends.

Watch a video that captures the energy, emotion and excitement of the three graduation ceremonies here.

X
Cookies help us improve your website experience.
By using our website, you agree to our use of cookies.
Confirm