By Aaron Cordy
LA TROBE University (LT) Shepparton proudly celebrated the conferral of 78 graduates and bestowed two higher degrees, last Friday, May 24 at the Eastbank Centre.
The Bachelor of Nursing was the biggest cohort of graduates with 57 per cent overall, which will hopefully mean a boost to the region in that field.
For Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education graduate, Hope Baumann, it was a chance to upskill and continue to grow her career.
“I’ve been in childcare for 19 years. So, it dawned on me that I would love to upskill, and I chose La Trobe because it’s in my hometown,” said Hope.
Dr Yangama Jokwiro, who completed his PhD in Nursing. Born in rural Zimbabwe, he trained as a nurse before moving to Australia in 2004 to continue work and study.
“I worked as a registered nurse, and I’ve been working in Shepparton for the four-five years leading campus nursing and midwifery courses, as well as studying my PhD at the centre (La Trobe). I’m so incredibly grateful that I finished it,” said Dr Jokwiro.
“I now lead the Department of Health Sciences which covers Nursing and Midwifery and Public Health across all (LT) Campuses. Mildura, Albury—Wodonga Shepparton and Bendigo.
“It’s been kind of an exciting journey. This PhD gives me an opportunity to lead and do more research, in hospitals on things that matter for our workforce development.”
It was a great day not only for the graduates and LT, but for their families who watched as they completed this fantastic achievement.
“It’s one of our most exciting days of the year when we get to celebrate our amazing students and really acknowledge the work they’ve put in, the achievement of getting their degree and also allow their family to join in that celebration and honour that support that they have given them,” said LT head of campus, Shepparton, Elizabeth Capp.
