G Flip leads the celebrations as RMIT congratulates class of 2024

An electric performance by singer-songwriter G Flip and an honorary degree awarded to the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC were just two highlights from RMIT’s graduation ceremony at Marvel Stadium.

Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, the Governor of Victoria joined more than 9,000 students who marked the transition to alumni when they officially became RMIT graduates in front of a crowd of approximately 40,000 people.

The Governor was awarded with a Doctor of Laws honoris causa by RMIT Council for her life of service to education and culture, equity in employment and industrial relations, and the application of knowledge for the betterment of society.

Council said the Governor’s long-standing and esteemed championing of educational advancement and equity was an inspiration to RMIT’s community and shone a light on the University’s perennial purpose of preparing students to become contributing members of society.

Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, the Governor of Victoria

The Governor congratulated her fellow graduates on their journey to that moment and commenced her address with a quote from Herbert Spencer, who said “the great aim of education is not knowledge but action”.

“With your new qualification in hand, you will feel the call to action," she said.

“Education is important not only because it gives us entry to new areas, but because it has a powerful influence on our actions – one often not immediately clear to us once graduated.

“Among the great outcomes of your education are that you will consider the evidence for an assertion; understand competing views but expect that evidence, persuasion and debate are good ways to articulate and resolve differences; recognise the broad dimensions of a changing world and be prepared to engage with them (not attempt to hide from or ignore them).

“Whatever your technical and professional knowledge and skills, you are now prepared to meet and shape your future, not be overwhelmed by it,” the Governor said.

Lucinda Johnson-Cornes delivered the student address

Also taking to the stage was student representative Lucinda Johnson-Cornes, a proud Indigenous woman of Pitjantjatjara descent, who graduated with a Bachelor of Textile Design (Honours). Throughout studies she was actively involved in student activities including leading Indigenous Culture tours highlighting culturally significant places in RMIT’s City Campus.

Addressing her fellow graduands, Johnson-Cornes reflected on her own journey, through a period of doubt, to her renewed motivation sparked after she started presenting the Indigenous Culture Tours during a gap year from study.

“When I returned to my studies, I had a burning motivation in my chest that felt different to any other I'd experienced. I had spent over a year presenting the tours. It filled me with pride and gratitude to be able to deliver these tours. Now it was my turn to tell my own story,” she said.

“My advice to all of the graduates here today, is to find what gives you that burning passion in your chest. Once you take hold of that, doors will naturally fall open for you.”

More than the usual cap and gown procession, the unique graduation ceremony reflected the diverse and dynamic RMIT community with live entertainment from Australian singer-songwriter G Flip who performed electric sets to open and close the event, including their ARIA Song of the Year-winning single, "The Worst Person Alive." They were joined by aerialists, dancers, Chinese lions and pyrotechnic displays.

Graduands from across Vocational Education, Higher Education, Higher Degree by Research (PhD) were at Marvel Stadium, including our oldest and youngest at 70 and 20 years old respectively. They are among some 25,000 students who have completed their studies this year across the RMIT Group.

Our 2024 graduates join the 500,000-strong RMIT alumni community living and contributing around the world.

Story: Karen Phelan

Society and Environment

19 December 2024

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G Flip leads the celebrations as RMIT congratulates class of 2024