50+ photos: New Fraser Coast graduates celebrate at ceremony

The students from the Fraser Coast campus of UniSC have celebrated their graduation. PHOTOS:

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Dozens of students from UniSC’s Fraser Coast campus have celebrated their graduation at the Brolga Theatre this week.

Nursing Science graduates Theresa Byrnes and Isabella Beattie were both presented with a Medal for Academic Excellence as well as a Student Leadership Award for their valued contributions to the university community.

Theresa, who did not complete high school and once believed she “wasn’t smart enough” for university, will also present an address on behalf of the graduating students.

“My story proves that no matter what age, or stage of life you are at, if you develop a passion for something … don’t hesitate to take a step in that direction,” she said.

Theresa shared her journey from selling crystals and working on a whale watching vessel after leaving school, to achieving outstanding academic results and gaining a graduate position as a registered nurse working in the emergency department at the Maryborough Hospital.

Fraser Coast students will graduate with qualifications in a range of fields including Nursing Science, Commerce, Accounting, Animal Ecology, Social Work, Primary Education and Allied Health Assistance.

Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said that as a university supporting more people to achieve their ambitions by improving tertiary education participation and success, UniSC could not be prouder to see the graduates celebrate their achievements.

“We know that seven in 10 graduates who study in regional areas stay in the regions, contributing to the social and economic wellbeing of the community and creating workforce opportunities for others,” Professor Bartlett said.

“We currently have more than 17,800 students across all our campuses, and we are close to graduating 40,000 students since the university was established.

“Not only does that number represent an enormous upskilling and knowledge growth within our communities, but for each graduate who crosses the stage this April it has unlocked opportunities for themselves and their families.”

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.

Graduates from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Fraser Coast campus celebrating at the Brolga Theatre.