[CDU eNews] - MUM AND DAUGHTER GRADUATE FROM CDU

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

All in the family as mum and daughter graduate from CDU

Like mother, like daughter . . . Sharon Watson and her daughter Melissa are
among almost 2500 graduates from Charles Darwin University who will be
formally recognised this week and next month.

Mrs Watson, 40, of Fannie Bay, has obtained a Diploma of Business
Marketing, while Melissa, 21, of Brinkin, has completed a Bachelor of
Visual Arts.

The excited pair will join more than 500 other graduands who will receive
formal recognition of success in their Higher Education or Vocational
Education and Training studies at outdoor graduation ceremonies on the
university's Casuarina campus tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday.

About 1500 family members, friends and academic staff, will witness the
ceremonies. A further 80 graduands will be honoured at a ceremony on the
Alice Springs campus on June 17.

A total of 2447 people graduated from Charles Darwin University last year,
but for various reasons - some were offshore students, others external
students from interstate, for example - many are unable to attend the
ceremonies.

Mrs Watson is a typical example of a mature aged student, who make up the
majority of students at Charles Darwin University. She completed her
studies while in fulltime employment last year as Special Events and
Fundraising Coordinator with Cancer Council NT and is now employed as
Communications and Events Manager at the university.

"I had never studied since I was 18," she said today, "but I decided I
needed this diploma to further my career. It wasn't easy. Two nights a week
you have to study, no matter what else is going on in your life. You have
to lock yourself away on weekends and commit yourself to 12 hours a week,
otherwise you won't get through.

"You do need employer and family support. Without that support, I would
never have done it."

Melissa completed years two and three of her Bachelor of Visual Arts degree
after studying the first year in Adelaide.

She is currently studying a one-year Graduate Certificate in Education,
focusing on adult learning, at Charles Darwin University and hopes to find
a teaching position in Darwin for next year, with a long-term goal of
becoming an art history lecturer.

Melissa, who also currently manages a retail outlet in Darwin City Mall,
also wants to pursue her interest in digital and graphic design and hopes
to find work in that industry.

"As mum has shown, you need further education in this world," Melissa said.
"I just wanted to do this degree course. Study-wise, I loved it. If you're
passionate about something it's not a stress or a burden."

Some of Melissa's work - manipulated, digital photography on fabric - was
exhibited as part of CUSP, a visual arts graduation show, last year and
featured on ABC television's Statewide.

The ceremonies on Thursday and Friday will start at 6pm, with fireworks
displays at the conclusion.

Sharon and Melissa are available for interview.


Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

CRICOS Provider No: 00300K