The graduands from our business and hospitality courses, including students from the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) were joined by their family and friends, and a host of special guests including CEO and President of Torrens University Linda Brown, Executive Chairman of Strategic Education Inc Rob Silberman and Vice-Chancellor Professor Alwyn Louw.
During the event, which included a beautiful Welcome to Country performed by The KARI Singers, outgoing Chancellor Michael Mann AO formally conferred Jim Varghese AM as the new Chancellor of Torrens University in a historic tradition that dates to medieval times.
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The power of connecting with people
Professor Simon Pawson – Associate Dean Hospitality – addressed the graduands, reminding them of the people that supported them throughout their studies.
“It’s important to recognise that a part of the reason you are graduating today is because of the love, support, teaching, and mentoring provided to you by both your family and friends, as well as your teachers and Torrens University staff,” he said.
Ritik Khetrapal, who graduated with a Bachelor of Business (International Hotel and Resort Management), addressed his peers in an entertaining speech that highlighted the need to foster connections with the people around you.
“My key take-away from my time at university would be to appreciate the people around you, as they really do make the journey what it is,” he said.
Hardwork and commitment recognised
Several students were celebrated during the ceremony, based on their academic excellence and achievement. They were presented the awards by Chancellor Jim Varghese.
| Names of students | Awards received |
| Renae Curtis, Bachelor of Business (Event Management) | The Business Excellence Award |
| Karina Juliana Hermawan, Master of International Hotel Management | The Marriott International Award for contributing in a positive manner to life on campus |
| Brandon Javier Colby, Bachelor of Business (International Hotel and Resort Management) | The Crown Award representing the next generation of hotel industry leaders: |
| Sharfel Hope Ferrer Stubbs, Bachelor of Business (International Hotel and Resort Management) | The Founders’ Prize for entrepreneurial spirit and industry |
| Phuong Linh Hoang, Bachelor of Business (International Hotel and Resort Management) | Gold medals for the 2021 academic year (awarded to a student with the highest-grade point average) |
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research Professor Kerry London presented a PhD degree to Dr Stephen Rodwell from BMIHMS, who selected a unique research topic for his thesis, studying hotel-based robotic services and how guests understand this service with the limited availability of robotic services technology. His research is significant for the hotel industry and the idea of having robotics in hospitality is incredibly unique.
Our graduands join the vast network of alumni
Our graduands now join the network of 19,000 global alumni who are committed to making a difference through their work to their industry and community.
Chancellor Jim Varghese wished the graduates well as they embarked on their careers.
“We’re extremely proud of you. We know how hard you’ve worked to get to this point. But you’ve done it and today is your time to celebrate,” he said.
“As your career takes you to all corners of the world, please know this, Torrens University will always remain your network, we will continue to support and barrack with you.”
Our Vice-Chancellor Professor Alwyn Louw said the graduates would remain lifelong members of the Torrens University global community.
“We have provided the stage, the platform for you to shine. But it has been you who have shown how bright, innovative, passionate, and bold you are,” he said.
We cannot wait to see where they go and what they do next.
[“source=torrens.edu.au”]
