UNDA Sydney celebrates second annual Graduation

Document Type

Media Release

Publication Date

Summer 31-12-2009

Publisher Name

The University of Notre Dame, Sydney Campus

Publication Place

Sydney

Abstract

The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Sydney Campus celebrated its second annual graduation ceremony on Friday 18th December.

350 students from the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Nursing and Philosophy and Theology graduated in front of family, staff and friends over two ceremonies.

At the first and second ceremonies respectively, His Eminence, George Cardinal Pell and prominent composer, Mr Richard Connolly, were awarded Honorary Doctorates.

Cardinal Pell, was awarded his first Australian Honorary Doctorate, an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws, for his role in the founding of Notre Dame in Sydney and his strong commitment to Catholic and secular education.

Notre Dame Vice Chancellor, Professor Celia Hammond, commented, “Our Boards of Trustees and Directors firmly believe that His Eminence’s contribution to education and his extraordinary dedication to public affairs and religious life make him among the leading Australian citizens of his generation.

“As the leader of the Catholic Church in Australia we have been blessed by his vision for establishing the Sydney Campus and his continued unwavering support of the University.”

Mr Richard Connolly received an Honorary Doctorate of Arts for his contribution to liturgical music over the past four decades.

Mr Connolly, a well know ABC broadcaster, collaborated with Australian poet, James McAuley, in writing many well-known hymns, including “In Faith and Hope and Love” and “By your Kingly Power, O Risen Lord”.

Three of Mr Connolly’s works were performed at the Graduation Mass – his advent hymn, “Come, O Jesus”, his Memorial Acclamation and perhaps his most famous hymn, “Help of Christians”.

“Mr Connolly’s work has been extremely influential for Australian Catholic culture and Notre Dame is delighted to acknowledge his outstanding contribution to the Church at this year’s Sydney Graduation,” said Professor Hammond.

This year also saw the first cohort of undergraduate students from the School of Education graduate.

140 students successfully completed the four year academic program, which included 30 weeks of extensive in-school experience.

Dean of Education, Associate Professor, Mark Tannock commented, “The School is enormously proud to have graduated such an outstanding cohort of future teachers. Their professional experience and thorough training in the field has made them job-ready for 2010.”

Media contact:

Moira Saunders 02 8204 4407

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