The recent 2024 graduation ceremony for the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) in Perth was a momentous occasion, bringing together graduates, their families, faculty, and special guests to celebrate the achievements of the latest cohort.
A Ceremony of Achievement
Held on Friday, 1 November at Beaumonde on The Point, the ceremony recognized the hard work and dedication of students who are now poised to contribute to the future of engineering and technology.
Proceedings began with Kym Spann acting as master of ceremonies. The event opened with a “welcome to country” by Robyn Collard, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land. This was followed by opening speeches from Dr. Steve Mackay, EIT’s Dean of Engineering, and Indumathi V, EIT’s Deputy Dean.
Dr. Mackay highlighted the graduates’ significant achievements, underscoring the foundation graduates have built for a sustainable future and Indumathi V discussed how the institution’s programs are preparing students to lead in industries like automation, renewable energy, and process control and the skills needed to address global challenges.
A special moment during the ceremony was the inspiring alumni speech by Felix Okoh, a past student of EIT. Felix reflected on the profound impact that EIT’s education had on his career, motivating the new graduates to recognize the value of their qualifications and the opportunities ahead.
The ceremony was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including Parliamentary Secretary, the Hon. Matthew Swinbourn MLC, and EIT Governance Board Members, Jillian Formentin and Neil Fernandes. Their attendance underscored the importance of the event and the support for EIT’s vision in advancing engineering education.
Formentin’s leadership and influence in the engineering community were recognized recently when she was named the Western Australia Professional Engineer of the Year and is also a finalist for the national awards ceremony scheduled for 21 November 2024.
During her speech she provided valuable insights into engineering careers, emphasizing the opportunities and challenges graduates will encounter.
The ceremony also included a message of support from Engineers Australia, reaffirming the role of engineers in addressing global challenges and the value of the graduates’ education in this context.
Recognizing Outstanding Achievements
The ceremony saw the presentation of several special awards to recognize the outstanding achievements of graduates. These included:
• The Sustainable Design Award: Giwen Molome
• The AI Innovation Award: Suman Dulal
• The Resilience Award: Joshua Richards
• The Academic Excellence Award – VET: Davanley Foster and Ilario Anelli
• The Academic Excellence Award – HE: Rey Kevin Ortuoste
Additionally, teaching excellence awards were presented to faculty members who made significant contributions to the educational experience at EIT:
- Teaching Excellence VET: Mr. Jagdeep Suran, Dr. Aravin Arumugam
- Teaching Excellence HE: Dr. Melissa Nogueira, Dr. Hossein Tafti
These awards showcased not only the exceptional achievements of students but also the dedication of the faculty in fostering the next generation of engineers.
A Global Celebration
The 2024 graduation ceremony saw 178 attendees, with 61 graduates attending in person and an additional 54 participating via live stream from around the world.
This hybrid event highlighted the global reach of EIT, with students joining from various countries and backgrounds.
The graduates were individually recognized as their names were called out by David Gadjus, EIT’s Academic Coordinator. This moment marked the culmination of their hard work and academic journey, as they crossed the stage to receive their awards.
Looking Toward the Future
After the formal ceremony, the graduates, families, faculty, and special guests gathered for a Post-Ceremony Celebration. This offered an opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the day, share experiences, and look ahead to the next chapter in the graduates’ careers.
The EIT community continues to play an integral role in preparing technicians, technologists and engineers to meet the challenges of today’s rapidly changing technological landscape.
Graduates from EIT’s 2024 cohort are equipped to tackle complex issues in fields issues in the engineering disciplines and will be be integral to driving innovations that shape the future.
A Bright Future for Engineering
The EIT 2024 graduation ceremony was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a reminder of the importance of education in shaping the future of industries around the world.
As these graduates move forward, they will apply the knowledge and skills they gained at EIT to solve real-world challenges, from advancing sustainability in energy to driving technological innovation in automation.
EIT’s commitment to excellence in engineering education ensures that its graduates are well-prepared to contribute to and lead in their respective fields.
As they embark on or advance their careers, these graduates are positioned to be the leaders of tomorrow, shaping the industries that will define the future.
