Hundreds of graduating students from the ANU College of Engineering, Computing and Cybernetics (CECC) excitedly crossed the stage to receive their well-deserved degrees, certificates, and diplomas in a Conferring of Awards ceremony at Llewellyn Hall on Tuesday 13 December 2022. 

Adriana Mohd Nasir admitted to suffering from homesickness during her first two years at ANU, much of which were spent in remote learning due to the pandemic. But she learned to believe in herself, her ability, and her strength on her way to a Bachelor of Applied Data Analytics with a major in Computer Sciences.

“I dedicate this degree to my parents for being my first teachers and always going out of their way to provide me with the education and opportunities that they were not able to get when they were my age,” said Nasir, whose degree was sponsored by Tenaga Nasional Berhad, an energy company in Malaysia

Elmira Mohamed received her PhD in biomedical engineering on her birthday, thinking of her parents in Iran, and wishing they could have been with her.

"Today, I graduated in a free country filled with emotions while the revolution of young women is going through in my home country, and I felt I walked across the stage on behalf of all of them," Mohamed said.

During the formal ceremony, graduating student Angela Zhang was invited to share a few words about her university experience. Angela graduates with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Bachelor of Finance and benefited immensely from her involvement with the Robogals and ANU Rocketry student associations. 

“I’ve learned that when you have a passion for something, you’ll happily devote the time to learning it and getting the skills you need,” said Angela. 

“It’s an honour and privilege to be here and share my story and to celebrate this special day with my cohort. I’m especially proud of my bright and talented CECC cohort, the class of 2022. Despite all the challenges of the pandemic, the lockdowns and quarantines, and the difficulties of taking courses online – we’ve made it.” 

Distinguished engineering and computer science alumni Mr David Elliot, who founded software development business Agile Digital, also congratulated the graduating class and welcomed them as alumni. 

“When my firm hires ANU graduates, which it loves to do, we look for certain characteristics… humility, curiosity, and integrity,” said Mr Elliot. “The world is changing and it’s in dire need of your skills. Things are moving quickly, and we need engineers to step up and steer us in what’s unfolding.  

“Consider what kind of ANU alumni you will be in years from now. As you pivot from a life of study, exams, and bell curve ranking to a life of creating impact with others and for others, think about what will give you energy and direction,” said Mr Elliot. 

Mr Elliot studied in the same classes as good friend Dr Natasha Linard, after which there is an ANU Scholarship for Women in Engineering and Technology named in her memory.  

“Sadly, Natasha passed away quite young. So, keep in mind that your life may be long or may be short. One thing is for sure; life will bring you the unexpected. Every single one of you has a great opportunity in this world on a very winding road ahead. So don’t waste it and make every day count.” 

Liam Fisher earned a double degree in science and engineering (honours) with majors in physics and mechatronics and a minor in mathematics.

"The best part about doing these two degrees was that I could explore the subjects that interested me and modify my degree as my interests changed," he said.

ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt said that life is what you make of it, and that our newest graduates have huge sets of opportunities going forward.

“The exciting part of what one can do in 2022 is tackle problems quickly – being able to plug in to talent all around the country, all around the world – allowing you to solve problems more quickly than ever by assembling the ‘Mission Impossible’ team that can solve each part of the problem. If you are someone who can capture that ability to bring people together, you too will be able to change the world,” said Professor Schmidt.   

Three College students among this cohort were honoured with a University Medal for academic excellence: 

• Bronte Funnell, pictured here — Bachelor of Engineering (R&D) (Honours) 

• Patrick Miller — Bachelor of Engineering (R&D) (Honours)

• Hancheng Shao — Bachelor of Engineering (R&D) (Honours) / Bachelor of Science

Following the ceremony, the celebrations continued at the Cultural Centre, with a College Reception event for graduates to enjoy with their peers, friends and family.

Graduates took photos at the photo booth, media wall and alongside giant ANU letters, and enjoyed music, food, and College merchandise - including robot cookies.

Interim College Dean Distinguished Professor Genevieve Bell cheered our graduates and congratulated the cohort on their resilience and commitment.

“You should be very proud of this achievement, and I hope that your experience at ANU, and in studying engineering, computing and cybernetics stands you in good stead for the future,” said Distinguished Professor Bell.

We wish our students every success as they join our alumni network and embark on the next chapter.

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