Former Hennessy Catholic College student and school captain of 2009, Laura Ferguson, graduated from her second degree at the University of Canberra last week and is already working in her field of study.
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Ms Ferguson graduated with a Masters of Occupational Therapy, before that, she completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Biology at the University of Canberra graduating in 2014.
The University of Canberra hosted its graduation ceremonies at the Australian Institute of Sport last week September 20-21.
Students graduated ready for careers in science, education, software engineering, midwifery, architecture, physiotherapy and more in four ceremonies.
Ms Ferguson said that her undergraduate degree had set her up for further study.
"When I left school I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but the undergraduate degree set me up to go straight into a masters," she said.
The 25-year-old started work as an occupational therapist in the acute wards at Calvary Hospital in Canberra in August.
"It's really good and challenging, I'm learning so much," she added. She thanked her mum Jenny and dad Peter for their support, with her parents travelling from Young to see her collect her degree at the AIS.
"If it wasn't for their support I wouldn't be here today," she said. Her sister Amy also attended her graduation.
The ceremonies were also the first for Professor Deep Saini who began his role as the sixth Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra on September 1.
Professor Saini congratulated the students on their success— with many of the nearly 1,500 students who collected their degrees coming from rural and regional areas.
“Our greatest source of pride comes from one asset which matters more than any other— our students and graduates. We are justly proud of our 77,000 plus alumni across 127 countries,” Professor Saini said.
“As you progress through your degree and as alumni, your presence leaves an indelible and influential impression. I extend my sincerest congratulations to you and hope that you will always consider yourself part of the University of Canberra.”
In addition to celebrating the success of its newest graduates, the University also conferred an honorary doctorate to The Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce in recognition of her distinguished service to the Australian community.
More than 16,000 students currently attend the University of Canberra with a strong emphasis on work-integrated learning giving students valuable experience in the workplace before they graduate.
The University’s campus development project is creating even more work-integrated learning opportunities. For example, students and alumni from the Bachelor of Building and Construction Management are helping build the University of Canberra Public Hospital.
