Deakin graduates celebrate their achievement
The pandemic meant many graduates were not able to travel and attend their respective graduation ceremonies. This was true for Deakin graduates also, given the lengthy closure of the Australian borders.
To celebrate the achievement, Deakin University organised a celebratory dinner on the 31st of March 2022 at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo. It was an event where they could socialise and celebrate their graduation with their friends and families.
For many that attended, this was the first time in 2+ years they had been able to come together to have a chat and reminisce about the times gone. A few of the alumni, too attended and mingled with the newest batch of Deakin alumni.
“We have a very strong Deakin alumni network in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most active and largest for Deakin outside of Australia. Were happy to be a part of this and provide the students an opportunity to catch-up. We wanted to make it a fun and informal celebration because they’ve missed out on that physical graduation, and that certain rite of passage by acknowledging their achievement” said Sandi Seneviratne, from the Deakin Sri Lanka Office.
New graduate, Naveen Henakankanamage, who was also celebrating his graduation that night, had this to say; “Organising the “Graduate Celebration” event was a very thoughtful g esture on the part o f the University, because it allowed many of us, who were unable to attend the graduation in Australia to celebrate our achievement here in Sri Lanka. We would have all gone through certain challenges, during our studies and at this event, all graduates were made to feel very special for the hard work. The event also helped to highlight and acknowledge the sacrifices made by respective families and loved ones, and who have stood by us throughout the difficult times.”
When talking about his experience Naveen added: “Deakin is a fantastic university to study because you are provided with the best education facilities plus a great deal of support. This is why Deakin is ranked # 1 for student satisfaction in the state of Victoria. The lecturers at Deakin University are also very approachable are always ready to lend a helping hand. But you must show an eagerness to learn, plus make full use of the available opportunities. Besides the studies, as a student you can always undertake casual jobs and consequently you will learn to be independent, network with others and build your character”.
The students enjoyed the night and as a special highlight, they were treated to some Jazz by ‘ BINU’. The after- dinner speaker, Peter De Almeda, inspired the young graduates with a few words of wisdom and pushed them to think outside of their respective comfort zones.
There was a large contingent of CICRA students. They had completed their entire studies via Deakin CLOUD ( online) and one student expressed the following: ‘ I thoroughly enjoyed the event and would like to extend my thanks to the Deakin Team. I am now looking at a Masters of Cyber Security at Deakin, but this time to do this in Australia”.