Civic Hall is now home to Federation University's graduation ceremonies in a move to further cement the university's presence in the CBD.
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This week more than 530 students from Federation TAFE and Federation University graduated in three ceremonies held at Civic Hall.
"We decided to put our graduations this year in to Civic Hall because we want to be part of revitalising the city," said Deputy Vice Chancellor (academic) Professor Andy Smith.
"We've got a very strong partnership with the City of Ballarat and part of that is a commitment by us to play a greater role in the life of the centre of the city.
"One of the things we can do is have our graduation at Civic Hall - it's a fantastic facility and easily holds the number of students, parents, friends, staff and everyone who comes to our graduation ceremonies."
Prof Smith said the facilities at Mount Helen could be stretched with the numbers of students and their supporters keen to watch the final graduation ceremony.
More than 160 graduates received their TAFE diplomas and certificates in a ceremony on Tuesday, while more than 330 graduated on Wednesday from arts, education, business, nursing, science, engineering, health and life sciences and psychology undergraduate and post graduate courses.
Among the graduates was Federation Business School's Rachael McCann, who received 22 high distinctions for her accounting and business law double degree.
"I was excited to return to study as a mature age student many years after I completed my science degree. I have now completed my accounting and business law double degree and I am delighted to graduate - the teachers and staff in the business school have been amazing and were always trying to get the best out of everyone," she said.
Thirteen PhD students who have completed their doctorates were also honoured.
Previous ceremonies have been held at the university's Founders Hall and Regent Cinemas.
"It's hard to over-estimate how important graduation ceremonies are to the life of universities," Prof Smith said. "It's the time we celebrate the success of our students ... and giving them the qualifications, skills and knowledge they need to make a success of their lives."
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