Faculty Graduation News

1033 students from the Faculty of Business and Law graduated at ceremonies held at Flemington Racecourse in late May. The Faculty was well represented, with two excellent valedictorian speakers in Simon Glage and Chloe Tubbs.

Valedictorian: Simon Glage [BBUS (Banking and Finance / International Trade)]
Simon achieved a perfect record of 24 high distinctions in his course, which was a complete change in direction for the qualified physiotherapist. Simon embodies the opportunities Victoria University provides for those who seek a change in direction to develop new skills and capabilities, as well as the importance of lifelong learning.

Valedictorian: Chloe Tubbs [BBUS (Tourism Management / Event Management)]
While finishing her studies, Chloe worked at Destination Melbourne, where she now has a full time job as Marketing Coordinator. Chloe has won several VU and industry Awards, including WIL Student of the year (2011) and the Melbourne Airport Developing Tourism Leaders. She has been a great ambassador for the industry and Victoria University.

Two of our graduates were also successful in receiving University Medals this round, Arlene Sherren and Eliza Foley.

University Medal Undergraduate: Arlene Sherren [BBUS (Marketing/Event Management)]
Arlene Zelina Sherren received consistently high grades in her units of study, and was a model of attention, participation, good will and conscientiousness in class activity. Both creative and analytical, we look forward to hearing more on her future success. www.arlenezelina.com.au

University Medal Undergraduate HONS: Eliza Foley, Bachelor of Laws (Honours Level 1)]
During her time as a student Eliza was the winner of one of the mooting awards in the International Phillip C Jessup Moot court competitions, as well as being a grand finalist in the Clayton Utz mooting competition the year before. Eliza is currently working as a graduate solicitor to Freehills, a large firm of solicitors in Melbourne. Eliza has volunteered her time over several years to work as a paralegal at the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre, where she provided legal support to lawyers advising refugees on their rights, and assisting with applications for permanent residency.

Dr Valerie McGowan: Victoria University Medal for Excellence for Higher Degree Research.
In her PhD, Valerie compared quality management methods in Japan and Australia, and from extensive interviews and case studies, she found that the successful Japanese approach to quality control management placed emphasis on technical aspects of quality control in comparison to the Australian practice, which focussed on people issues and labour management relations rather than formal structures. Valarie was supervised by Professor Peter Sheehan from the Centre for Strategic and Economic Studies.

Congratulations are due to all of our Valedictorians and University Medal winners, and to all of our graduates!