(Photo of Joel Edgerton being called onto the front stage by VC George Williams. Photo taken by Israa Merhi, 2024)
100 graduates from Western Sydney University’s Doctor of Medicine program attended their graduation ceremony on the 17th of December 2024. The University invited Joel Edgerton to the graduation in the Sir Ian & Nancy Turbott Auditorium at the Parramatta South campus, awarding him with the title of Honorary Doctorate.
An Honorary Doctorate is given to distinguished individuals for their achievements and contributions to society or the general field they are a part of. Honorary degrees are academic but do not confer any formal qualification. Universities award them as a sign of respect for the individual, rather than as a recognition of specific credentials.
Edgerton is an internationally renowned actor who has featured in films such as Star Wars films and The Great Gatsby (2013) alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. Born in Blacktown and raised in Dural, Edgerton started his career at Western and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1995 from the Nepean Drama School. Deputy Chancellor Elizabeth Dibbs awarded him with the Honorary Doctorate. Dibbs said of Dr Edgerton’s new title: “Western Sydney’s success is Australia’s success.”
Western students from a range of programs can enrol in the Drama major for Spring 2025. This is an exciting return to Western’s drama program. The Drama major is ideal for students aiming for careers in acting, performance, theatre-making, creative industries, or drama teaching. With the addition of a suitable tertiary teaching qualification, the major can also serve as a pathway to becoming a secondary school drama teacher. For students not pursuing the full major, the subjects are available as electives in eligible degree programs.
After Edgerton accepted his new title, he addressed the new graduates: “I’m very proud of you for achieving what you have. Well done. Seriously, well done.” Edgerton congratulated the graduate’s parents for their endless support and emphasised the importance of supportive parents. Edgerton concluded his speech by encouraging the graduates to “not be complacent, be resourceful.” Dibbs said on Edgerton’s speech: “It is the storytellers that (often) see things (the rest of us) don’t see.”
After the ceremony as the graduates were taking photos with their families and flower bouquets, we asked about their academic journeys and their time spent at Western.
Medicine graduate Tariq wanted to study the program to change careers:
“I’m a mature-aged student, and I realised that a lot of jobs suck. Most jobs suck. Because I’ve worked a lot of jobs, I should add that as context. And I thought I should try, if all jobs are going to suck, I should try do a job where I can benefit people. That’s why I ended up doing this.”
Tariq had no idea that Edgerton would be attending his graduation:
It’s pretty cool actually. I didn’t know he was from the area. I didn’t know that he studied at the uni. It’s pretty cool.”
Graduate Jocelyn also shared her motivation for studying medicine:
“I think growing up, I always saw how important doctors are. Helping people, how much of an impact you can have on people’s lives, and I think I just wanted to be a part of that.”
Nabila said she almost fell into studying the Doctor of Medicine:
“Which is a bit privileged to say because a lot of people try really hard to get in, but I was lucky enough to get in. I think after I started is when I realised that I actually really enjoy it. I want to take it to kind of like public health way, so.. kind of work in a policy-making setting.”
Grace said the number one tip she earned while studying medicine was to set reasonable, actionable goals:
“I think setting manageable goals and breaking big goals down.”
The graduation ceremony started around 9:30 AM and ended at around 10:45. For students interested in pursuing medicine, you can explore the Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) at Western and see more details about applying here.
