Port Macquarie Graduation Ceremony - February 2011

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PORT MACQUARIE SATURDAY 26 FEBRUARY 2011

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THE UNIVERSITY AT A GLANCE University of Newcastle established

1965

Full-time academic staff

970

Student enrolments in 2010

35,178 (Total) 27,634 (Domestic) 4,850 (International onshore) 2,688 (International offshore) 337 (Port Macquarie)

Graduates in 2010

5,494 (Total) 3,510 (Undergraduate) 1,984 (Postgraduate Coursework) 151 (Research Higher Degree) 55 (Port Macquarie)

Undergraduate programs

65

Postgraduate coursework programs

100

Total revenue in 2010

$507 million

Rankings Australian publicly funded research

9

Shanghai Jiao Tong World Ranking 2007 Top 4%

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MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRESIDENT Dear Graduate Congratulations! Today we recognise your commitment and your significant achievements.

This graduation ceremony is a celebration not only for you, but also your family and friends who have provided invaluable support during your studies.

To these important guests, we offer a very special welcome. Today we also celebrate a historic occasion with a formal graduation ceremony being held at Port Macquarie for the first time.

Many of you here today will be preparing to embark on your new career.

Others may be considering returning to university for further study. Whichever path you are following, it is an exciting time and the University of Newcastle is proud to have helped you reach this important point in your life.

Choice and access to quality education is one of the most valuable opportunities anyone can have. There is a genuine commitment in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region to a strong future for higher education and the University is proud to be a partner with the community in realising those aspirations.

Our commitment to fostering and developing educational opportunities and providing local students with pathways to higher education continues to gather momentum. Central to this is the important partnership between the University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute, and the many ways in which both institutions contribute to the region.

Today is a significant milestone and, I hope, the first of many celebrations in your journey of lifelong learning.

You are now an alumnus and part of the University’s 100,000 strong alumni community. This global network keeps you connected with the University, and offers you friendship and professional links with Newcastle graduates and former staff living in Australia and 95 countries across the world.

As a graduate of this University you carry our reputation for quality and integrity in all we do. I hope that your time here has been both challenging and rewarding, that the University has given you a strong start to your career, and that you take with you lifelong friends and great memories.

Congratulations on obtaining your degree and reaching this significant milestone. I wish you every success in your chosen career.

Professor Nicholas Saunders Vice-Chancellor and President

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PORT MACQUARIE CAMPUS – A BRIEF HISTORY In 2002, the Port Macquarie-Hastings community came together to foster higher education opportunities in the region.

Through the Hasting Higher Education Consultative Group, the region aimed to: minimise the need for locals to leave to go to university; provide a university environment to supplement existing distance and online study; and offer articulation pathways to university degrees for people with TAFE qualifications.

Less than a year later a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute outlining a blueprint for a multi-sector tertiary campus in Port Macquarie.

On 23 February 2004, the first cohort of 24 University of Newcastle students started studying the Bachelor of Nursing degree at the Port Macquarie campus.

After a successful first year, the University and TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute signed the first Partnership Agreement that established a platform for the long-term growth of the campus.

Since those early days, the campus has gone from strength to strength.

Student numbers have steadily increased and facilities have expanded. With government support, purpose-built teaching spaces featuring state of the art technology opened in 2008. Library, administration and student facilities have also been enhanced.

Today, close to 340 students are completing University of Newcastle programs at the Port Macquarie campus.

The success of the Port Macquarie campus led to the signing in January 2011 of a landmark Partnership Statement. The Statement will further streamline and improve education options for local students.

The University of Newcastle looks forward to building its partnership with TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute and its connection to the Port MacquarieHastings community to expand the higher education options for local students.

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RECONCILIATION STATEMENT The University of Newcastle declares its commitment to Aboriginal reconciliation: developing a strong community and fostering mutual respect, social justice and a united voice between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal Australians.

The University of Newcastle respects and acknowledges the Aboriginal land on which the Australian campuses of the University are located. We acknowledge the Aboriginal nations on whose traditional lands the University has a presence, respecting and acknowledging the traditional peoples and the cultural significance and history of the land.

The University is aware of the impact of the alienation and other forms of injustices including the removal of children, the loss of land, the destruction of languages and culture, and the ongoing struggle for social and restorative justice. Through acknowledging and understanding past losses and injustices and through committing to redressing the social and economic challenges and ongoing racism, we will continue to move forward together to a better future.

The University recognises that education plays an integral role in providing a foundation and platform for the exercise of self-determination and the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through collaboration and the provision of culturally responsive education the University seeks to educate and contribute to the development of a harmonious community.

The University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have supported the University in ensuring an Aboriginal presence at the University and appropriate and effective levels of consultation and collaboration through the sharing of Aboriginal voices, cultural wisdom and knowledge. These attributes are essential to moving forward to a future of equality and respect in teaching and learning, research, cultural inclusion, celebrating diverse cultures and success. The University acknowledges and appreciates the contribution and support by all communities. We will continue to build on existing partnerships and wherever possible forge respectful relationships designed to contribute to the ongoing endeavour of redressing the circumstance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, health, cultures, languages, social justice, employment and empowerment.

The University is committed to providing an environment that is free from racism and discrimination, developing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to access and succeed in higher education. The University embraces the unique and diverse cultures of Aboriginal – the oldest continuing culture in the world – and Torres Strait Island peoples and to ensure the growth of knowledge for all Australians.

With respect and collaboration, the University of Newcastle embraces a united approach to equality and inclusiveness for all Australian peoples.

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ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS The Master of Ceremonies will announce the imminent commencement of the Ceremony The University Fanfares will herald the entry of the Dais Party The Assembly will rise and remain standing until the conclusion of the National Anthems Australians all let us rejoice, For we are young and free; We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil; Our home is girt by sea; Our land abounds in nature’s gifts, Of beauty rich and rare; In history’s page, let every stage Advance Australia Fair.

In joyful strains then let us sing Advance Australia Fair.

The Acting Chancellor will declare the proceedings open Occasional address Conferring of Undergraduate Degrees for the Faculties of Health and Business and Law Faculty of Health Graduate Speaker Musical interlude Conferring of Undergraduate Degrees for the Faculties of Education and Arts and Science and Information Technology Presentation of University Medalist Faculty of Education and Arts Graduate Speaker The Acting Chancellor will declare the Ceremony concluded The Dais Party and Assembly will rise as the University fanfares are sounded The Dais Party will leave the stage The Procession of Graduates will follow the Dais Party out of the Hall

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THE UNIVERSITY COUNCIL As at 10 February 2011

Official Members The Chancellor Conjoint Professor Trevor C Waring AM BA, MSc(Newc), FAPS The Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nicholas Saunders MD(Syd), HonLLD(Monash) The President of the Academic Senate Professor Val J Robertson BAppSc(Physio)(Lincoln Institute), BA(Hons), PhD(La Trobe) Member Appointed by Council The Deputy Chancellor Mr Michael K Johns LLM(Syd), FAICD Ministerial Appointees Ms Sharryn Brownlee Ms Crystal Condous OAM BCom, MLib(UNSW), GAICD The Hon John Charles Price AM I.Eng(UK), AMI Mar.E, OFIE Aust, I Eng. IMarEng, MAICD Conjoint Professor Geoff Lilliss BE(Hons), MBA(Merit)(Newc), FIE(Aust), MAICD Dr Ken Moss AM BE(Hons), PhD(Newc), HonFIE(Aust), CPEng, FAICD Ms Deborah Wright DipTeach(Newc), MBA(SCU), FAMI, CPM

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Members elected by the Academic Staff Dr Tom Griffiths BEd(Hons), PhD(Newc), GradCert TESOL(UTS) Professor John Rostas BSc(Hons), PhD(Monash) Member elected by the Non-Academic Staff Ms Leanne Holt Dip HR(HIT), MME(Newc) Members elected by the Students Ms Matilda Hunt Ms Karen Miller BBus(Acc) (UTS), CPA External persons who are members of Convocation Ms Dianne Allen, JP BCom(Newc), CA, MAICD Mr Peter Cockbain BScEng(Newc), FIEAust, CPEng, FIPENZ, FTSE The Hon Mahla Pearlman AO BA, LLB(Hons)(Syd), HonLLD(Newc) Dr Geoff Leonard AM BCom, HonDBus(Newc), FCA, FCPA

PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY As at 10 February 2011 Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nicholas Saunders MD(Syd), HonLLD(Monash) Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Global Relations) Professor Kevin McConkey BA(Hons), PhD(Qld), FASSA, FAICD Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Michael Calford BSc, PhD(Monash)

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Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Services) Dr Susan Gould BSc(Hons)(Edin), PhD(Flinders), FAICD President of Academic Senate Professor Val Robertson BAppSc(Physio)(Lincoln Institute), BA(Hons), PhD(La Trobe)

Faculty Pro Vice-Chancellors Pro Vice-Chancellor (Business and Law) Professor Stephen Nicholas BA(Syracuse), MA(Iowa), FASSA Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education and Arts) Associate Professor John Germov BA(Chisholm), MA(Sociology)(Monash), PhD (Newc) Acting Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engineering and Built Environment) Professor Brett Ninness BEng, MEng, PhD (Newc) Pro Vice-Chancellor (Health) Professor Nicholas Talley MBBS(Hons), MD(NSW), PhD(Syd), MMedSc(ClinEpid)(Newc), FRACP, FRCP(London & Edinburgh), FAFPHM, FACP, FACG, AGAF Pro Vice-Chancellor (Science and Information Technology) Professor Bill Hogarth BSc(Hons)(UNSW), PhD(Newc), FIMA, CMath, FAustMS

Portfolio Pro Vice-Chancellors Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Bill Hogarth BSc(Hons)(UNSW), PhD(Newc), FIMA, CMath, FAustMS Pro Vice-Chancellor (External Relations) Professor Stephen Crump BA, DipEd(Macq), MEd(Hons), PhD(Sydney) Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Scott Holmes BCom(Newc), PhD(ANU), FCPA

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THE GRADUATION CEREMONY THE MACE The Mace is the symbol of formal authority. The Mace used today belongs to the University of Newcastle and was designed by gold and silversmith, Gerald Benney. It is made of Australian walnut and silver and its head represents an open book – the traditional symbol of learning. The Mace was a gift from the University of New South Wales to commemorate the establishment of the University of Newcastle as an autonomous institution on 1 January, 1965. It is always borne ahead of the Chancellor in the academic procession during formal ceremonies such as today’s presentation of academic awards.

THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE FANFARES In mid-1994, staff and students of the University’s Faculty of Music were invited to submit entries for a competition to compose the University Fanfares. The composition had to be capable of being performed either on organ or on brass.

The winning entry by Professor Robert Constable, was first played publicly at the University’s overseas graduation ceremony held in Singapore in August 1994. The Fanfares are performed at all ceremonial functions to herald the entry and departure of the Chancellor and other members of the Council.

THE UNIVERSITY MEDAL The award of a University Medal is an honour made only when there is a candidate of sufficient merit. To be considered for this award, a graduate must have a consistent record of exceptional academic achievement at all levels of a bachelor’s degree program, and qualify for a bachelor’s degree with first class honours.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF GRADUATION The graduation ceremony is one of great antiquity. Its essential features have been the same since the 12th century when the first universities came into existence. Its necessary constituents are the Chancellor or his or her deputy, the academic staff, the graduates, and the public.

The church had a monopoly of education, partly because it was the guardian of true doctrine, and partly because clerics were almost the only people who could read and write. As a result, the only person who could license a teacher was the bishop of a diocese until, under pressure of other business; he deputed the task to his chief secretary or chancellor. As learning spread, teachers wanted a licence to teach not just in one diocese, but everywhere, and the only person who could give them that was the Pope. The Chancellor’s authority, then, came from the Pope. But at the Reformation, Henry VIII assumed for the Crown all the rights which had previously been the Pope’s in England. That is why all subsequent universities in England have been created by Royal Charter. It is for this reason also that the Chancellor does not wear ecclesiastical robes, as

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would have been worn in the Middle Ages, but robes similar to those of the Lord Chancellor of England.

The second group participating in the ceremony is the academic staff. In the 12th century they would all have been called “masters” or MAs. At that date they were paid no salaries, but hired their own lecture rooms and charged their own fees. But they also formed themselves into a guild or union, which is what universitas originally meant. As in all guilds they were insistent that they, and only they, should determine who should be of their number, and since this involved saying who should be teachers, they soon found themselves in conflict with the Chancellor. In the 13th century they won a great victory when they persuaded the Pope to decree that Chancellors were obliged to confer degrees on all those nominated by the masters. That is why the masters examine the candidates, why the Dean, acting as their spokesperson, reads out the names of those who are to receive degrees, and why the masters at this ceremony watch to see that the Chancellor or his Deputy does what is required of him.

Thirdly the graduates. The word “degree” comes from the Latin gradus, which means “a step”. When students are admitted to a Bachelor degree they move one step up towards the mastership. When they are admitted to a master’s degree they climb another step and come up on a level with the masters, who then receive them into their guild or universitas. In the Middle Ages they would then have stayed on the dais, so that their old master could invest them with the symbols of office. But that was only part of the business. The new master had to deliver an inaugural lecture, entertain the whole guild of masters to dinner and preside over disputations for forty days continuously. For that reason, taking one’s master’s degree was called “inception”, or the beginning of one’s career as a master.

The academic gowns are derived from the everyday dress of the medieval clergy. In the Middle Ages they were not open in front, but closed like a clergyman’s cassock. It was in about 1500 that academics had the front opened up so as to display the fine clothes which they were wearing underneath. The hood was the normal medieval headwear, but it soon acquired a coloured lining. By the 17th century, if not earlier, these colours were strictly controlled so that anyone could identify from the colour of a graduate’s hood, the university and the degree.

The public is the fourth participant. It has an important function because the whole point of the proceedings is that they should be seen and heard by valid witnesses. The public hears the words of the Dean and the Chancellor and sees the new graduates dressed in their respective gowns or robes.

The foregoing is an adaptation of an Address given at a Graduation Ceremony at the University of Birmingham by Emeritus Professor R H C Davis and reprinted in his book ‘From Alfred the Great to Stephen’ (Hambledon Press 1991), pp. 307-309. It is reproduced with kind permission of the author’s widow.

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SATURDAY 26th FEBRUARY 2011 FACULTY OF HEALTH Graduates will be presented by Professor Nicholas Talley – Pro Vice-Chancellor (Faculty of Health) FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND LAW Graduates will be presented by Professor Nicholas Talley – Pro Vice-Chancellor (Faculty of Health) FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Graduates will be presented by Associate Professor John Germov – Acting Pro ViceChancellor (Faculty of Education and Arts) FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND ARTS Graduates will be presented by Associate Professor John Germov – Acting Pro ViceChancellor (Faculty of Education and Arts) Occasional Speaker Mr Robert Oakeshott MP Graduate Speaker – Faculty of Health Wendy Annette Schumann Graduate Speaker – Faculty of Education and Arts Lucas Grant Kelly Musical Interlude Iintombi Zicula Performed by Saint Columba Anglican School

OCCASIONAL SPEAKER Mr Robert Oakeshott MP

Rob Oakeshott has been the federal member for Lyne since 2008.

His career in public life started in 1996, when at the age of 25 he became the youngest person to be elected to the NSW parliament.

For the following 12 years, he held numerous shadow ministerial roles including sport, racing, gaming, ports and fisheries.

The diversity of his roles held him in good stead for the next phase of his career – federal politics. Since joining federal parliament, Mr Oakeshott has played central roles in the development of key policies and activities including major reforms to the way our Parliament works, new policies and programs to support regional Australia and the constitutional recognition of Indigenous people.

A White Ribbon Ambassador, Mr Oakeshott is Australia’s Parliamentary representative on the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Group of the United Nations Development Program. The program aims to minimise violence against women and girls in the region.

Born in Lismore, Mr Oakeshott is a strong advocate for his region particularly in the area of education. He attended Barker College as a high school student, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Law from Macquarie University.

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FACULTY OF HEALTH UNDERGRADUATE Bachelor of Nursing Erin Louise Birchall Gail Anne Blanch Briohny Michelle Buru Nathan Peter Carney Patricia Ann Dawson Wendy Sue Dowse Sally Maree Drury Michelle Evans Amanda Jane Fettell Colleen Anne Gillogly Jenna Lee Gough Julie Ann Hay Gunilla Cecilia Haydon Julie Anne Heaney Deborah Anne Ireland Shayne Vaughan Jennings Donna Natasha Kennedy Amber Rae Knobbs Susan Lang Leanne Lovering Anthony Joseph McMahon Casey Louise Miller Kerrie Helen Paull Tegan Tenielle Schmitzer Julie Selin Stephenson Leanne Christine Waters Leslee Ann Wilbow Julie Lynne Williams Josephine Ilona Wink Robyn Anne Woodland Bachelor of Nursing and Faculty of Health Graduate Speaker Wendy Annette Schumann

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNDERGRADUATE Bachelor of Information Technology Mitchell Ian Lett

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FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND LAW POSTGRADUATE Master of Business Adminisration Wayne Owen Johnson

FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND ARTS UNDERGRADUATE Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Arts with Honours Class II Division 1 in Teaching April Jayne Goonan Kathryn Jane Hollis Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Arts with Honours Class II Division 2 in Teaching Tamara Jane Ball Karena Sonia Gunter Rachael Anne Harper Alisha Jade Humphryis Hannah Michelle Jeffery Melanie Jayne Wills Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Arts Rebecca Bartley Melissa Jane Bolton Danielle Tereasa Brown Danielle Amanda Geihe Tameka Jayne Harris Blake Ingram-Dobell Monica Helene Littlewood Cameron James McKee Lisa Suzanne Pallot Shane Gary Quee Melissa Sciacca Damien James Tedd Tahlee Theresa Thomas Tahnee Christine Woodham Bachelor of Teaching / Bachelor of Arts with Honours Class I and the University Medal and Faculty of Education and Arts Graduate Speaker Lucas Grant Kelly

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