University celebrates some 2,984 graduations

Downtown Auckland will take on a celebratory air next week as thousands of graduates and their families converge for The University of Auckland’s Spring Graduation to be held Tuesday 2nd October at Aotea Centre’s ASB Theatre.

Some 2,984 graduates will receive a total of 3,074 qualifications at four ceremonies held throughout the day. These include 136 doctorates.

The Vice-Chancellor of The University of Auckland, Stuart McCutcheon says: “It is pleasing to see, yet again, a high number of students graduating with doctorates. The crucial contribution of major research universities such as ours is evidenced in these consistently high numbers. It shows the University’s commitment to encouraging students in innovative research, so vital in contributing to long-term, sustainable economic growth and positive social change.”

Business and Economics is the faculty awarding the most qualifications with 696, followed by Arts (676), and Science (655).

There are 264 in Education, 262 in Medical and Health Sciences, 213 in Engineering, 172 in Creative Arts and Industries, and 136 in Law.

At 9.30am the traditional graduation procession departs from a marquee erected outside Old Government House. Graduands, University staff and Council members will proceed through the city in ceremonial order down Bowen Avenue, Victoria Street East, and up Queen Street to make their way to Aotea Square.

Over 6,000 guests have tickets for the ceremonies at the Aotea Centre, with all four ceremonies to be webcast live, enabling relatives and friends to watch proceedings from anywhere in the world.

Speakers at the ceremonies include Dr John Matthews, Companion of the Queen’s Service Order (New Zealand), Cecilia Tarrant, Executive-in-Residence at The University’s Business School, Dr Roger Blakeley, Chief Planning Officer, Auckland City Council, Dr Nigel Evans, Director of Fisher & Paykel Healthcare.