Graduation day celebrated

A very colourful Whitireia graduation ceremony took place at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua at the end of last week.

Over 500 students graduated in a packed arena where friends and family turned out in the thousands to congratulate and celebrate with students.

Donna Crossan, Chief Executive Officer, Wellington Free Ambulance, addressed the students and guests along with Keri-Mei Zagrobelna who spoke on behalf of the graduands.  Both gave interesting speeches on their journeys so far.

Whitireia Performing Arts students gave another superb performance, opening the graduation ceremony.

This ceremony saw diploma, degree and postgraduate students from the faculties of Health, Business and Arts graduating.  Graduation ceremonies are a highlight of our academic calendar said Don Campbell, Chief Executive, Whitireia.  “They are a celebration of the success of our students.  It is a pleasure to be recognising the success of the large group of students at this graduation ceremony.”

Campbell made mention of the success of three students in particular.  Viola Akemio who graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing (Pacific) up until three years ago was unemployed.  She enrolled onto the Nursing programme and sacrificed three years to gain a qualification which in turn has led to a new career.  She gave up a lot during this time so her children, of which she has six, would still be fed and educated.  Viola’s life has now changed said Campbell she has a Whitireia degree and is now a Registered Nurse.  She has a job at the Neonate unit within the Capital Coast District Health Board, a first for a graduate from the Bachelor of Nursing (Pacific) programme.  “This is an excellent example of how education can change lives” he said.

Lisa Patterson also did well in her studies at Whitireia.  She has graduated top of her Bachelor of Information Technology class.  Lisa supported herself through her studies and worked part-time as a Lab Technician for the IT programmes at Whitireia, where she still works today.  "I look forward to my future and securing employment in the industry I have chosen"she said.

Bachelor of Applied Arts (Performing Arts) student Anita Corlett has graduated after three years of successful study.  A very diligent and talented student, Anita excelled at Hip Hop and was also very good at Jazz, Ballet and Tap Dancing.  She is a creative choreographer and performer.   Anita has secured herself a role with all female hip-hop dance crew ReQuest based out of Auckland.  ReQuest, are famous internationally, having danced with Jennifer Lopez, last year.

We congratulate all these students said Campbell.  “We wish them all well for the careers in the industries they have chosen.”