On the 23rd November, EIT held their first annual Graduate Gala in two locations – Perth, Australia and also in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Perth Gala was held in the Panorama room of Metro Hotel overlooking the Swan River and the city of Perth. Graduates arrived from all over the region of WA to attend the celebrations and hear from speakers such as Barry Tonkin (WA Division President of Engineers Australia), Justin Shute (former EIT student and lecturer), and Dr Steve Mackay (Dean of Engineering of the EIT). The inventor of the PLC, Richard Morley pre-recorded a special video address for the gala, discussing his lifelong search for freedom and how he has found it working for himself at The Barn (barn.org). Richard joined us on the night, along with many other graduates from all over the world, in attending the celebrations online, through Blackboard Eluminate.
The lead-up to the event was not without drama, with the venue experiencing a total blackout a day before the event was scheduled – only to regain power a mere 4 hours before the Gala was due to start. Despite these behind-the-scenes complications, the night was a resounding success, with much joy and cheer shared by all. Graduates received their special gift from the EIT, presented by Dr Mackay and Mr Tonkin, to applause from their fellow graduates, coordinators and loved ones.
At the South African Gala, the students were so proud to receive their certificates and graduation gifts. They were also delighted to meet their instructors face to face and expressed their gratitude for the encouragement and guidance through the duration of their Diplomas.
Many photos were taken by each student and everyone was in top spirits. We look forward to hosting our next Graduation event in 2013 to congratulate our new batch of students and wish them well as they progress up their engineering career paths.
Both of the Graduate Galas brought together Learning Support Officers, industry guests, graduates, and lecturers of online learning, to connect face to face, and share in the celebration of our graduates’ achievements.