FAMILY, friends and lecturers packed the auditorium at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre on Friday to celebrate 65 graduates as they received their parchment at the UniSA graduation ceremony.
The education, social work, nursing, music and built environments graduates were congratulated by UniSA chancellor Jim McDowell.
“I am pleased and proud to be here today to congratulate you, give you your parchments and wish you well as you open the door to new opportunities,” Mr McDowell said.
“While primarily we deliver a quality education, it is also our role to instill in you the university’s values – engagement, social justice, sustainability, innovation and openness.
“We know we have been successful when we see you enter the wider world of opportunity as well rounded, well educated people prepared and ready to succeed in your chosen careers and ready to make lasting change in your communities.”
Kimberly-Clark Australia Millicent Mill manager Scott Whicker addressed the graduates and offered career advice.
“The path to success can be like a game of snakes and ladders – having climbed a ladder successfully you find yourself at the foot of another ladder or land on a snake which seems to set you back,” Mr Whicker said.
“Do not give up, regroup and forge ahead once again.
“I have had many roles, several with sideways movement and some with upwards movement and I have realised it is important to take the time to celebrate success at milestones along the way.”
Mr Whicker added that success was “rarely achieved alone”.
“Recognise those around you who have helped you to achieve those milestones – be generous with praise and recognise the contributions of others.
“A great piece of advice I once received was ‘just because you’re the most intelligent person in the room, does not mean you’re the smartest person in the room’.
“It is also important to maintain a work/life balance and there is no singular approach – determine what works best for you.”
The formal proceedings were followed by an afternoon tea at Mount Gambier City Hall.
