Media releases

The hard work and dedication of a Yarragon mother-of-three has been recognised with a University Medal for outstanding academic achievement at Federation University Australia’s Gippsland Campus graduation ceremony.

Nursing graduate Elissa Dabkowski was among more than 250 students who graduated at two ceremonies at the Gippsland Campus Auditorium.

The first graduation ceremony awarded the University’s Business, Arts, Education, Health, Science, Life Sciences, Engineering and Information Technology students with their degrees.

The second ceremony awarded our Nursing and Healthcare students.

The Graduate Speakers for the two ceremonies were Timothy Fowler (Environmental Science) and Elissa Dabkowski (Nursing). 

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, and Chancellor Terry Moran AC officiated at the graduations.  

Quotes attributable to Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett:

“Our Gippsland graduates should be proud of their success, which has involved many years of hard work and sacrifice to qualify for their degrees. We wish the graduates well as they build their careers and utilise the significant knowledge and skills they have acquired at Federation University.”

“The Gippsland ceremonies are always a joyful event as families and friends come together to celebrate with the graduates." 

Quotes attributable to Graduate Speaker and University Medallist, Elissa Dabkowski:

“As a mother of three young children, I was concerned with how I would manage with family responsibilities and full time study, however FedUni made this all possible.” 

“I made good use of the study skills advisors, the librarians, help desk and even the campus nurse. The academic staff were absolutely brilliant. I found them to be encouraging, supportive and have a wealth of experience behind them. We truly are lucky to have access to a wonderful teaching team here in Gippsland.” 

“I have just completed my Bachelor of Nursing with Distinction and I am currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing Honours program.  I was fortunate enough to gain a position in the graduate program at Latrobe Regional Hospital, in which I started this month. “ 

“After I complete my grad year, I will hopefully complete a postgraduate course in midwifery.”