THE achievements of more than 200 Southern Cross University (SCU) graduates were celebrated at the Coffs Harbour campus on Friday 27 June.
A particular highlight was the presentation of the Chancellor’s Medal, SCU’s highest accolade for an outstanding thesis.
This was awarded to Dr Allyson Wilson, a mental health nurse and educator who previously lived on the Coffs Coast.
Dr Wilson’s PhD research offers vital insights into trauma-informed care practices within acute mental health environments.
She describes receiving the Chancellor’s Medal as both humbling and surreal.
“It still feels like I’m an imposter, like maybe they got the name wrong.
“But really, I see this as a shared achievement.
“My family, supervisors and peers all deserve a slice of this.
Dr Wilson balanced full-time work, family and carer responsibilities – including the profound challenge of supporting her father through terminal illness – all while completing a rigorous doctoral journey.
“My supervisors weren’t just focused on the thesis; they walked the journey with me,” she said.
“Their empathy, flexibility and deep understanding got me through some very difficult times.”
Dr Wilson now contributes to mental health education through a conjoint role as a lecturer and hospital educator with Southern Cross University and the Gold Coast University Hospital.
She teaches into the field of mental health nursing and is in the process of developing further research projects.
Also celebrating was Thang Mang Mashinghlor, who graduated with a Bachelor of Nursing.
Her family gifted her a unique bouquet of flowers with petals created out of dollar notes totalling $900.
“I’m very happy and feel free having graduated,” said Mang, who is now officially a Registered Nurse (RN).
“And I’m very thankful to my family.
“I didn’t realise this gift was coming.
“I’m the only person here that gets this big bunch of flowers. It’s very different from everybody else… but I love it.”
Mang plans to undertake further study.
Delivering the Occasional Address was Jonathan “Jono” Freeman, the University’s 2024 Alumnus of the Year and founder of Club Active, one of Australia’s leading health and fitness networks for over-50s.
The former St John Paul College graduate and Coffs Coast resident’s mission is to help Australians age actively through personalised programs delivered by allied health professionals.
“What gets me out of bed in the morning is knowing that we can change people’s lives,” he said.
By Andrea FERRARI
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
