A mother, father and son are among more than 700 Federation University students celebrating their graduations this week.
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Last year, Helen Ryan completed a Graduate Certificate of Health (Workplace Health & Safety), her husband Caius finished a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and their son Brenton completed his Bachelor of Business (Management).
The trio all graduated in the same ceremony at Fed Uni on Monday, the first of nine graduation ceremonies to be held this week and the first in-person graduation in more than a year.
The trio said studying remotely last year was a challenge, with another son also completing his university studies online at a different university.
"There has always been at least two of us studying at the same time ... but it's how our house rolls," Mrs Ryan said.
Mr Ryan completed his MBA last year but the graduation was cancelled. Brenton has just finished his three year Bachelor of Business and Mrs Ryan's Graduate Certificate in Health was a short course offered by the university to help people upskill during the pandemic.
Students who could not attend graduation ceremonies in 2020 due to COVID-19 were invited to join the 2021 graduation ceremonies.
With all three Ryans studying business-related courses, there were plenty of study-related discussions around the dining table.
"We both work in management and study business and with our experience we've been able to help Brenton turn theory in to practice. Our studies were to enhance our careers, Brenton is now busy looking for a job."
Because they've graduated doesn't mean the learning has stopped in the Ryan household, where education and further learning is a high priority. Mr Ryan is now studying financial counselling, and Mrs Ryan has already completed an MBA.
Federation University vice chancellor Professor Duncan Bentley said the graduates had overcome many challenges in completing their studies.
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"Federation University students have shown incredible resilience over many months, whether adapting to a new mode of learning or completing a work placement during the pandemic, to pursue their dreams with great determination."
"It is absolutely wonderful to see graduates coming together with their family and friends to celebrate this achievement at graduation ceremonies across our campuses."
"I am so proud that our students have successfully battled the pandemic and that we have been able to provide them with the skills that employers need so our graduates can make their mark in their communities."
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