Jules said he is “overjoyed”, not only to be graduating but to be alongside his family.
“The journey to reunite with my family was long and challenging. In 2023, after five years of separation, I reunited with my wife and met my daughter for the first time,” Jules recalled.
“Studying social work felt like I found my calling. I had been helping people in my community without formal knowledge and I wanted to enhance my skills to better serve not only my own community, but anyone in need of support.”
Jules is among a cohort of 47 graduates who conferred at the Mildura Arts Centre on 28 March.
The Bachelor of Nursing was the largest student cohort, comprising one third of graduates.
An additional three students graduated with a double degree in Nursing and Midwifery, marking the first cohort since it was established in collaboration with Mildura Base Public Hospital in 2021.
La Trobe’s Chancellor, the Honourable John Brumby AO, and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell, attended the ceremony to celebrate the students’ achievements.
Professor Farrell said this new group of skilled and passionate La Trobe people would start their careers and strengthen the Mildura workforce.
“Having an impact is at very heart of our University's mission. When we reflect on the profound impact that La Trobe's Mildura campus has within the local community, it’s hard not to feel inspired,” Professor Farrell said.
For Sandy Connor, Mildura Head of Campus, the annual celebration is one of the most important events in the University calendar.
“Today’s students join more than 1,500 who’ve graduated with degrees from the Mildura campus, with more than 2,400 La Trobe alumni living and working in the Sunraysia region,” Sandy said.
Friday’s ceremony was also a milestone for Eulien Munez, earning her third degree in a Bachelor of Nursing and fourth qualification overall.
“My experience with the Mildura campus has been very positive. The coordinators go above and beyond, and I’ve felt very spoilt to be honest,” Eulien said.
It wasn’t too long ago when Eulien was celebrating her husband Neil’s graduation in nursing at La Trobe.
Heralding from the Philippines, the couple were separated for two years during the COVID pandemic. Eulien and their four children moved permanently to Mildura to reunite with Neil in 2022.
“I am very proud to have tackled this challenging course, which I once thought was beyond me and in an entirely new environment,” Eulien said.
“This is one of the privileges I get to enjoy and treasure being a resident of Australia.”
Despite her passion for lifelong learning, Eulien is ready to close the textbooks for now.
“It is so rewarding to see the difference you can make with one person,” Eulien said.
“At this stage, four courses should be quite enough for me. I would like to enjoy my nursing career and spend more time with my children who are growing up fast."
PHOTO: Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell with Jules Kangeta and his family.
Media Contact
Jess Whitty - j.whitty@latrobe.edu.au, 0481 383 817
