Whitireia Graduation a First

Whitireia onsite graduation a first

There's a brand new, purpose-built atrium, a beautiful location on the shores of Porirua harbour and a myriad of excited students and staff. These are the perfect ingredients for the first–ever onsite graduation day for all faculties at Whitireia Community Polytechnic. It promises to be a spectacular and memorable event.

Graduation day is Monday, 15 December, 2008. The ceremonies will take place under the Porirua campus' stylish new Atrium. The purpose–built, clear, inflated roof is made of the materials that featured in the swimming Cube at the Beijing Olympics.

Whitireia Community Polytechnic's Atrium

The graduation is a community event that will see many local families attending to support students and friends. Special guests include the new Minister of Education Anne Tolley, Porirua Mayor Jenny Brash, Trustees of the Whitireia Foundation Margaret Faulkner and Chris Kirk–Burnnand. Pou Arahi Taku Parai will represent Ngati Toa.

In previous years, the different faculties at Whitireia have celebrated graduations separately, often with individual graduations for each programme area. This year, there will be only two graduations: one at 10 am for students from Arts and Communications, and Service Industries and Trades and a 4 pm graduation for students from Health, Education and Social Sciences, and Te Wānanga Māori.

The combined graduation will "allow us to celebrate in the best way possible by acknowledging and rewarding our students for their success," said Don Campbell, Chief Executive of Whitireia. "This also allows us to really live our vision which is to 'lead and illuminate our communities'. I'm particularly delighted that the new Minister of Education, Anne Tolley, will be a guest speaker at the evening event."

The graduation will include performances from Whitireia Music and Performing Arts students, and will conclude with light refreshments in the student café and photo opportunities.

Two thousand students and invited guests are expected to take part in Monday's celebrations, and there is a great sense of excitement building towards this grand finale to a great year for Whitireia.

ENDS

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