November 3, 2026
More than 1,700 UOW students take part in graduation ceremonies
Three days of ceremonies will celebrate student achievements and honour distinguished Australians including Dr Karl Kruszelnicki
The University of Wollongong (UOW) will celebrate the achievements of over 1700 graduating students across eight ceremonies from Tuesday 3 to Thursday 5 November 2026.
Graduates will be joined by family, friends and the University community to mark the completion of their studies. The ceremonies will also recognise distinguished leaders, researchers and educators through honorary awards and Emeritus Professorships.
UOW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Max Lu AO said the ceremonies were an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of graduates and the contributions of the wider University community.
“Graduation is one of the most rewarding moments in the university calendar, celebrating the hard work, determination and achievements of our students, alongside the families and friends who have supported them along the way. As our graduates take their next steps, they carry with them the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a meaningful contribution to their professions and society.”
- Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Max Lu
Honorary award recipients
- Carlene York APM will receive an Honorary Doctor of Laws for her distinguished service to public safety, emergency management and community resilience. Ms York is a former Commissioner of the NSW State Emergency Service and a senior policing leader. She will be recognised at the 9:30 am ceremony on Tuesday 3 November.
- Dr Karl Kruszelnicki AM will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science for inspiring generations of Australians through his contribution to science communication and public understanding of science. The science communicator, broadcaster and author will be recognised at the 3:30 pm ceremony on Wednesday 4 November.
- Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC will receive an Honorary Doctor of Engineering for his pioneering contributions to semiconductor science and nanotechnology, and his support of research and education in Australia and around the world. The internationally renowned physicist and engineer will be recognised at the 9:30 am ceremony on Thursday 5 November.
Emeritus Professorships
- Professor Greg Rose for contributions to international law, environmental and marine research, academic leadership and public service. Tuesday 3 November, 3:30 pm.
- Professor Pauline McGuirk for contributions to human geography, urban governance research, academic leadership and geographical education. Wednesday 4 November, 9:30 am.
- Senior Professor Mark Wilson for contributions to molecular bioscience research, scientific leadership and understanding of neurodegenerative disease. Wednesday 4 November, 12:30 pm.
- Senior Professor Kiet Tieu for contributions to mechanical engineering, advanced manufacturing research and engineering education. Thursday 5 November, 12:30 pm.
Guest speaker
Linda Goldspink-Lord, author, award-winning business leader and UOW alumna, will speak at the 12:30 pm ceremony on Tuesday 3 November. She is co-founder and CEO of Poseidon Animal Health, which recently won the 2026 IMB Bank Illawarra Business of the Year.
Student stories
Graduation Week shines a light on students who’ve overcome personal challenges, followed their passions, and made the most of every opportunity. Among those graduating this week are:
Nuwangi Cooray researches the development of next-generation sunscreens and is graduating with a PhD in Materials Science. Alongside her research, she founded startup Sun&Co and shared her expertise as a speaker at TEDxWollongong 2026.
Manatu Samani left her family in Tonga to pursue a Master of Fisheries Policy, becoming the first student from UOW’s inaugural Graduate Certificate in Fisheries Management and Development cohort to complete the degree. Now working with Tonga’s Ministry of Fisheries, she hopes to make a meaningful contribution to the future of the country's fisheries and communities.
Faiaz Muhammad is one of the first two international graduates of UOW’s Master of International Relations. During his time at UOW, he founded the Conversation Club, creating opportunities for students to connect and build confidence, and was recognised as UOW Ambassador of the Year in 2025.
Armin Azad chose UOW over a funded PhD opportunity in the United States to pursue his doctorate in environmental engineering. He has produced an impressive body of research, demonstrating remarkable resilience and commitment to his studies.
Trung Nguyen completed a Bachelor of Computer Science, consistently achieving top marks before becoming a Software Engineer at Google. He has maintained a strong connection with UOW through industry workshops and helping strengthen connections between students and industry.
Graduation ceremonies
Tuesday 3 November: 9:30 am, 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm (ASB).
Wednesday 4 November: 9:30 am (ASB), 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm (SMAH).
Thursday 5 November: 9:30 am and 12:30 pm (EIS).