July 14, 2025
Graduation Week: UOW celebrates students and distinguished Australians
Student success stories and community leaders in sport, literature, climate science and social equity recognised at Graduation Week 2025
From 15 to 18 July the 榴莲视频app of 榴莲视频app (UOW) will host Graduation Week 2025, celebrating the achievements of thousands of students and honouring six distinguished Australians with honorary awards. The event highlights the diverse accomplishments and contributions of the graduating class and the award recipients.
A highlight of the academic calendar, this year’s event (Professor G.Q. Max Lu’s first as Vice-Chancellor and President) also celebrates UOW’s 50th Anniversary.
“It is wonderful to celebrate this milestone with our graduates during the 榴莲视频app of 榴莲视频app’s 50th anniversary year – a moment that marks both personal achievement and our institution’s proud legacy. Their resilience, determination and pursuit of excellence embody the spirit that has defined UOW for five decades and will shape its future for generations to come,” Professor Lu said.
Student stories
Graduation Week shines a light on students who’ve overcome personal challenges, followed their passions, and made the most of every opportunity. Among those graduating this week are:
Bronte O’Brien, graduating with First Class Honours in Primary Education, started at UOW in nursing before discovering that teaching was where her heart truly was. As a single parent navigating tough personal circumstances, Bronte showed resilience, curiosity and courage. Her Honours research explores new ways to support maths education, a critical issue in Australia’s schools.
Dr Michael Staplevan began his UOW journey as an undergraduate and now leaves with a PhD in environmental engineering. Growing up in Ulladulla and passionate about local environmental issues, Michael’s research into microplastics created by recycling has real-world applications. He now works in disaster resilience, helping communities in our region prepare for the future.
Jade Harris, graduating with a Bachelor of Computer Science (Dean’s Scholar), is a passionate advocate for women in tech. She’s mentored students, spoken at national events, and received multiple scholarships for her academic and community contributions. Jade recently started as a software engineer at Morpheus Wealth, a local company with strong UOW ties.
Antra Johri came to UOW during the uncertainty of COVID, starting at UOW College and progressing to a Bachelor of Business in Marketing. Antra embraced everything UOW had to offer – founding a photography club, leading cultural events, working in media and marketing and even launching her own photography business. Her journey reflects courage and contribution to the community.
Honorary awards
Throughout the week UOW will recognise individuals who have shaped communities, challenged conventions, and lifted others as they rose.
Christine McLoughlin AM, UOW’s fourth Chancellor and a distinguished business leader, will receive a Doctor of the 榴莲视频app. Christine grew up in a small town in NSW and became the first in her family to attend university. As Chancellor, she led UOW through the COVID pandemic and helped grow our global standing.
Emma McKeon AM will receive a Doctor of Health Sciences. From swimming laps at UniActive to becoming Australia’s most decorated Olympian, Emma has inspired a nation. Her work now goes beyond the pool, advocating children’s rights through UNICEF and encouraging self-belief in young people.
Graham Lancaster AM will be named a Fellow of the 榴莲视频app for his decades of quiet but powerful community leadership. A respected lawyer and mentor, Graham has supported countless initiatives, from youth development to mental health advocacy, and has remained deeply connected to UOW since earning his Bachelor of Commerce in 1999.
Tara June Winch, a celebrated Wiradjuri author, will be awarded a Doctor of Letters. Her novels, including The Yield, have brought First Nations stories and language into the spotlight, earning international acclaim and deeply connecting with readers.
Dr Debra Keenahan, artist, academic and advocate whose work explores disability, dignity and inclusion, is receiving a Doctor of Letters. Her performances, sculptures and public speaking draw from her experience of living with dwarfism and challenge audiences to see the world, and each other, more compassionately.
Professor Colin Woodroffe will be awarded Emeritus Professor status. Over four decades, Professor Woodroffe’s research has helped the world understand how coastlines respond to climate change. His work has guided international climate reports and shaped future environmental leaders across the globe.
The faculties will hold their ceremonies on the following days:
Tuesday 15 July: Ceremony 1 – Faculty of Business and Law (9:30am – 11:30am)
Ceremony 2 – Faculty of Business and Law (2:30pm – 4:30pm)
Wednesday 16 July: Ceremony 3 – Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (9:30am – 11:30am)
Ceremony 4 – Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (2:30pm – 4:30pm)
Thursday 17 July: Ceremony 5 – Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health (9:30am – 11:30am)
Ceremony 6 – Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health (2:30pm – 4:30pm)
Friday 18 July: Ceremony 7 – Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences (9:30am – 11:30am)
Ceremony 8 – Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences (2:30pm – 4:30pm