Debbie Rumbel and her family celebrated the graduation of her son Corey on Thursday afternoon – but next week it’ll be her turn to don the gown and mortarboard.
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Corey was one of 1570 University of Newcastle graduates to officially cross the uni finish line this week, collecting his Bachelor of Construction Management.
He got into the discipline as a result of looking for a “hands-on” career.
But the 24-year-old from Thornton, who works for McDonald Jones Homes in the Hunter, will be back at the Callaghan Campus’ Great Hall next week when his mum receives her Bachelor of Social Science.
“It’s great, I love it,” Debbie said when asked what she thought about graduating within a week of her son.
“I was keen to work in the community welfare and human services area,” she said.
“I think just helping people, I really like that – that compassionate, humanitarian side of things.”
Corey and Debbie agreed that they would wait until next week and enjoy one big family celebration together.
Graduation ceremonies for the fields of engineering and built environment, health and medicine and science take place this week, before 1250 students of business, law, enabling programs and international college graduate next week.
Angela Rees, who gave the graduate speech as Thursday afternoon’s ceremony, received a bachelor of midwifery with class one honours.
Read more: University graduates’ day to shine (2017)
Ms Rees, who works at John Hunter Hospital, said she decided to become a midwife after seeing new parents with their baby.
“It was in that moment of witnessing the joy and pure happiness of the new parents that my career path became clear,” she said.
“I really like the idea of working in public health and the opportunity to help mothers and babies achieve the best start to life through a wellness model.”
Ms Rees said she was considering starting a PhD.
“One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to work with the academic team, who are very inspiring and hard working,” she said. “It has been very rewarding.”
University vice chancellor Professor Caroline McMillen said graduation was a defining moment in the academic journey.
“Graduation is an opportunity to pay tribute to the remarkable achievement of our graduates and reflect on years of hard work and commitment,” she said.
“We watch proudly as our graduates embark on the next exciting phase of their lives, joining an outstanding global alumni network to make their mark on the world locally and globally.”