Media releases

More than 240 Federation University Australia students will celebrate their graduation at ceremonies in Gippsland and Berwick this week.

The students are among more than 1000 across the University’s campuses to mark the education milestone in front of family, friends and their classmates during October and November.

Berwick student Jake Kime will be awarded the University Medal at the 3 November ceremony for his exceptional academic achievement in the Bachelor of Veterinary and Wildlife Sciences.

Jake achieved a GPA of 7.00 during his studies and was this year awarded the Australian Society for Parasitology Undergraduate Prize.

Jake’s enthusiasm during work placement at Melbourne’s Moonlit Sanctuary resulted in him being offered volunteer work and ultimately a position as a mammal keeper.

At Gippsland’s ceremony on 2 November, Master of Health (Research Practice) graduate Paul Kemel will deliver the student address, acknowledging the resilience of this year’s graduates.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley

“Our students are graduating with the skills and knowledge employers need, along with incredible resilience built throughout the course of the global pandemic.”

“Watching graduates come together with family and friends to celebrate their achievements is an absolute joy and we look forward to seeing all they will achieve in their communities.”

Quotes attributable to University Medallist Jake Kime

“I’m so grateful to receive this medal as acknowledgement for all the effort put in throughout my degree.” 

“I absolutely love my job at the sanctuary. It’s different to anything I’ve done before, and I love helping to educate people about the Australian species that are highly important to our ecosystem.” 

Quotes attributable to Gippsland graduate speaker Paul Kemel

“As a sports physiotherapist, I wanted to move into the research space and this degree has been so worthwhile. I love that Federation is so embedded in the local Gippsland community; it was like everyone knew each other.”

“As students we are so grateful for the support of not just our teachers, but also our families. It’s our names on the testamur, but there are a hundred names written behind them in invisible ink.”