The 'vote of thanks' from a graduate representing the student body at graduation ceremonies is a longstanding tradition.

Arthur John Dann graduated on April 20, 2006 with a Master of Commerce, on top of a Bachelor of Commerce - Actuarial Studies. Both qualifications came from the Division of Economic and Financial Studies at Macquarie University. Arthur has had a university experience many dream about. Uni has been not only the place where he has learned how to learn...... intellectually, it is also where he became who he is today.

"Emeritus Deputy Chancellor, Fellow Graduates and Guests,

It is with great pleasure and humility that I speak on behalf of you all today. Graduation day marks a significant rite of passage in our lives. In one way, it can be seen as the end of one’s formal education in a particular program. In another, it is the foundation for lifelong learning in one’s chosen field.

As I reflect on four years of study at Macquarie University, I thought that I would share some of most memorable aspects of my educational experience. I am certain that several, if not all of you will identify with many of these.

I guess to start with, I remember my first days on campus, where the onset of anonymity set in quite rapidly. Like most students, I was overwhelmed when I graced Macquarie Theatre for the first time. When you are used to small high school classes, 500 students in one lecture is a lot of people!

Despite my early fears of university life, I slowly warmed into the routine, meeting new friends, establishing lines of contact with my lecturers, and joining societies. I found that while Macquarie was a large University, it was possible to be noticed.

It did not take long for me to learn that it was no use being shy about what I wanted. The importance of raising issues in lectures and seeking help when needed were educational aspects that countless students overlook in their early years. Having taught first year students, I have seen this first hand.

Looking back over the years, I have realised that I could not have finished my course alone. The friendships that I have developed as a student are some of the strongest that I will ever encounter. When I thought that my units were too difficult, I had my study groups to help me survive. More personally, the support of my family was invaluable. I could not imagine being able to stand here today without them.

As I neared the completion of my Bachelor studies, I made a decision to take on further study in the form of a Masters degree. Like many of you gathered today, the chance to broaden my knowledge made my choice rather elementary.

Studying a Master of Commerce was a very new experience. I was able to remain in contact with my Actuarial Studies cohort that I had learned with for three years, within the Actuarial Control Cycle subjects. That, however, was only a quarter of my course! There were so many new people to meet, and I couldn’t wait!

One aspect that I have enjoyed about Macquarie University is the fact that it is quite multicultural, in an obvious sense due to the percentage of international student enrolments. Notwithstanding, my final year of study showed me that you don’t have to fly to Australia to contribute to the diversity of Macquarie.

On the surface, students may have looked different and spoke differently, but beneath the exterior it was the backgrounds of my fellow classmates that interested me the most. I began my course straight after my Actuarial degree at Macquarie. In the same theatres and classrooms were students who were studying part-time as part of their employment training; others had never studied Commerce in their lives. It didn’t matter. We were all able to learn together, and share our diverse knowledge in so many different ways.

My time at Macquarie was not restricted to study. The prospect of working on campus was something that I accepted quite readily, and I will look back on it with a degree of sadness once I recognise that my last shift is over. By assisting in the overall operation of the University, I was able to see things from different points-of-view. Providing advice to students has given me the confidence to communicate more strongly with others.

Tertiary education is very difficult to prepare for. I can only hope that I was able to make the transition as smooth as possible for the students I had the privilege of helping.

Today, all I can focus on is the fact that it is such a momentous occasion. I am thankful that I was able to learn from some of the best academics in the country, as well as some of the most intelligent students. The pride I have in Macquarie University will never fade. Studying here was the best choice I could make, and I hope that you all agree.

Finally, I want to take this moment to wish all of you the very best of luck for futures filled with happiness and good fortune. We all have foundations for successful lives. I hope that we can take advantage of the opportunities that arise in all the pursuits we undertake.

Let your light shine!"

Contact: Skaidy Gulbis

Phone: +61 2 9850 4774