Murdoch University stopped to celebrate its newest graduates at five ceremonies this weekend – the ultimate recognition of years of hard work and dedication.

More than 1,600 graduates joined Murdoch’s global alumni community this weekend at five ceremonies held across three days at Perth’s RAC Arena.

These students, including 21 PhD researchers, now join a community of more than 80,000 Murdoch alumni worldwide.

Among the graduating students was AFL footballer David Mundy. The Fremantle Docker completed an honours degree in Marine Science, which included studying the growth of the greenlip abalone in Augusta and estimating the variability in growth across the Ocean Grown Abalone sea ranch.

Murdoch University also awarded honorary degrees to globally renowned scientists Professor Lyn Beazley AO and Johann van der Merwe.

Murdoch University was proud to once again deliver the ceremonies despite the challenges of COVID-19.

Safe and creative solutions, including physically distanced seating, meant graduates could celebrate this momentous occasion in front of family, friends and the University community who have supported them throughout their academic endeavours.

In her address, Murdoch Vice Chancellor Eeva Leinonen urged graduates be bold and brave as they enter this new chapter of their lives, and to use their knowledge to make a difference.

“You join our global alumni community and I know you will seek to make a difference, to use your free thinking for the benefit of others,” Professor Leinonen said.

The world needs creative thinkers and changemakers now, more than ever.

Chancellor Gary Smith reminded the graduating students to seize opportunity and make the most of this time of possibility.

“Be sure to use the knowledge and skills you have acquired at Murdoch, harness your innate creativity to take a few risks, learn from your mistakes, build resilience and embrace the opportunities that will inevitably present themselves,” he said.

We will follow with keen interest the progress and successes of all our graduates and the contributions they will make to the global community in years to come.