THE majestic Town and Gown Academic Procession along Baylis Street yesterday heralded the start of three days of graduation ceremonies for Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Wagga campus.
The parade involved CSU graduating students, academic and general staff, TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, the University of NSW Rural Clinical School and Wagga City councillors.
Wiradjuri Aboriginal elder, Isobel Reid, led the procession carrying the University Message Stick.
She was followed by the Esquire Bedell, Dr Henry Gardiner, carrying the University Mace, CSU Chancellor Lawrie Willett and mayor Kerry Pascoe.
The Riverina Concert Band escorted the procession, which started at the corner of Morgan and Baylis streets at 4pm and ended at the council chambers.
More than 1100 students are expected to attend six ceremonies at Joyes Hall, starting this morning and ending Friday afternoon.
One of the highlights of the graduations will be 86-year-old former politician, actress, grazier and Temora Shire Councillor Elisabeth Kirkby receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree (Honours) tomorrow.
A new feature of the graduation ceremonies this year will be didgeridoo playing by Dane Simpson.
Guest speakers at the graduations include Professor Wilfred Carr, Emeritus Professor at the University of Sheffield in England.
Six Doctors of Philosophy will be awarded tomorrow, including to 70-year-old Dr Helen Byles-Drage for her thesis Urban migration to inland rural areas: Issues in rural wellbeing and social cohesion.
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