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Nine graduands pose with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sashes

Close-knit graduates stand tall at Sashing Ceremony

UQ people
Published 11 Jul, 2024  ·  2 min read
Thomas Scanlan presenting speech at ceremony
Thomas Scanlan delivers student address at the July 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sashing Ceremony, UQ St Lucia.

On Friday, 5 July 2024, graduates, their guests, and other community members gathered for another highly anticipated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sashing Ceremony. 

UQ Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Deborah Terry AC and UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement, Professor Bronwyn Fredericks addressed the audience, sharing their congratulations and well-wishes. 

The students were each presented with an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander sash with a clear sense of pride and community exhibited by the close-knit graduating class.

As Jarowair man, Bachelor of Environmental Science graduate, and Student Speaker, Thomas Scanlan said, “The best part of my uni experience these last five years has been going to uni and seeing my people ... Being with the UQ mob and being in their presence gives me life and inspired me to push through this degree so I could be standing up here alongside them.” 

All in attendance, including friends, family, elders, and the greater UQ community, were honoured to celebrate the black excellence and perseverance instilled by the graduating class of 2024.

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