Written by Md Mehedi Hasan
A few months ago, I was lucky to visit a Charles Sturt University graduation ceremony and these photographs are simply amazing in their ability to represent an overlap between academic excellence and cultural identity that people were experiencing during this event.
The ceremony was highlighted with incredible cultural celebration, a very brief performance of what looks like a traditionally Aboriginal musical instrument – the didgeridoo. This addition depicts the desire of the university to respect the culture of Indigenous Australians and the strong unity of education and cultural heritage. In fact, the performer, in his trademark attire, added a real cultural perspective to the formal academic event, and provided a rich contrast of ancient tradition and modern accomplishment.
The graduation itself has confirmed the diversity and inclusiveness which characterises contemporary Australian higher education today. It was a cross-cultural celebration of success by the faculty dressed in their elegant academic robes, the graduating students together with their families. The university trademark orange background made a colorful setting to this important milestone in the lives of students.
The highlight of my experience was that I got a chance to see the human aspect of academic performance. On top of the formal ceremonies and typical academic regalia, there was real happiness and pride seen in graduates who had strived and achieved to make it this far. The addition of cultural aspect such as didgeridoo performance recognized that education is not entirely about personal accomplishment, but this is also about remembering who we are and how we got here and the future preparation of what we are going into.
This celebration was not restricted only to the formal ceremony, a lot of graduates got to eat and interact with each other. These instances of bonding and cheering put me in mind that education is largely about connecting people, understanding them, and creating links between various cultures and communities.
The graduation ceremony of the Charles Sturt University is an encouraging piece of work as it proves that regardless of the cultural background of the student or academic achievement, an academic institution may celebrate its students, thus making inclusive spaces where all students see themselves reflected and honoured.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
