The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) celebrated the achievements of 139 graduates at its 2026 Perth Graduation Ceremony, recognizing academic excellence, resilience, and dedication to engineering education.
Held on 6 November 2026 at Beaumonde on the Point in Perth, the ceremony brought together approximately 320 guests, including graduates, family members, academic staff and industry representatives. With the theme “Engineering Skills for an Evolving World”, the event celebrated an important academic milestone while recognizing outstanding student achievements and teaching excellence.
Celebrating EIT’s Class of 2026
The graduation ceremony recognized 110 graduates attending in person and 29 participating online. It reflected EIT’s commitment to supporting engineering education through both on-campus and online study pathways.
The event also welcomed representatives from Australia’s engineering industry, including Engineers Australia, WA Tertiary Engagement Manager Peta Griffiths; Western Power Substations Project Engineer Adel Khodayari; Western Power Head of Function – Operational Maintenance Brett Hovingh; and Jillian Formentin, EIT Governance Board Member and Head of Engineering & Design – Oceania for Wood Group.
Their presence highlighted the connection between engineering education and industry, as graduates marked the completion of their qualifications and prepared to apply their knowledge in professional practice.
Messages of Inspiration
The ceremony featured inspiring messages from EIT leadership and graduate representatives, highlighting the importance of adaptability, professional growth, and the role of engineers in shaping the future. EIT Operations Manager Caroline Patterson served as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding the proceedings and introducing graduate addresses from EIT Dean of Engineering Indumathi V and EIT Managing Principal Dr. Steve Mackay.
In her address, Indumathi encouraged graduates to take an active role in shaping the engineering profession, emphasizing that “Engineering professionals must help shape change – not simply respond to it by leading, exercising professional judgement, and delivering meaningful impact.” Dr. Mackay reinforced this message by reminding graduates of their potential to make a difference, stating, “As catalysts of change, you carry the power to create impact.”
The ceremony also featured personal reflections from two graduates, offering perspectives on their educational journeys and the significance of reaching this milestone.
Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems) (CRICOS Course Code: 0100462) graduate Sonam Zangmo highlighted the importance of EIT’s supportive learning environment and shared an encouraging message for women pursuing engineering. “One thing I’ve always appreciated in EIT is its supportive community – having approachable lecturers, Learning Support Officers, and administrative staff made a significant difference in our journey. With this, I hope other young women pursuing engineering remember that they belong here too.”
Meanwhile, Bachelor of Science (Civil and Structural Engineering) (CRICOS Course Code: 095812M) graduate Nim Dorji reflected on the way his perspective on education evolved. “At first, education felt more like an obligation than an opportunity. But as I progressed through school, I slowly began to understand the value of education, which eventually brought me from Bhutan to Australia to continue my studies.”
Together, these messages reflected the graduates’ diverse experiences and the opportunities that engineering education has opened for their personal and professional development.
Recognizing Outstanding Graduates
A key highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of EIT’s 2026 Student Excellence Awards, recognizing graduates who demonstrated academic excellence, resilience, and dedication throughout their studies.
EIT VET College Manager Paul Celenza presented the awards, assisted by Engineers Australia Tertiary Engagement Manager Peta Griffiths, Western Power Head of Function – Operational Maintenance Brett Hoving, and EIT Deputy Head of School for Civil Engineering and Vocational Education and Training (VET) Dr. Ana Evangelista.
The award recipients were:
Honoring Excellence in Engineering Education
Beyond student achievements, the ceremony also recognized educators whose contributions support EIT’s teaching and learning environment. The following educators were recognized as recipients of EIT’s 2026 Teaching Excellence Awards:
- Dr. Muhammad Ehab – Lecturer (Higher Education Category)
Recognizing Distinguished Academic Contributions
The ceremony also featured the presentation of honorary appointments by Indumathi V, recognizing individuals whose expertise and contributions have helped advance engineering education, research, and emerging technologies.
- Dr. Amit Agarwal – Appointed Adjunct Senior Lecturer in recognition of his expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
- Prof. Akhtar Kalam – Appointed Distinguished Fellow of Engineering Research in recognition of his international standing and continued commitment to advancing engineering research and developing future researchers.
The ceremony concluded with group photographs, followed by post-ceremony celebrations at The Point Rooftop Bar, where graduates, families, and guests gathered to mark the occasion.
This article was published November 10th, 2026 and the content is current as at the date of publication.
