Congratulations to CAIS students graduating in July

Congratulations to CAIS students graduating in July
Mr Nikmatur Rahman receiving his degree from ANU Chancellor, Professor The Hon Gareth Evans
Wednesday 11 July 2018

CAIS Director, Amin Saikal, on behalf of all CAIS staff wishes to warmly congratulate two Masters students, Peter Lisle and Nikmatur Rahman who graduated today with a Master in Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies.

Peter Lisle gave the student address at the ANU graduation ceremony on 11 July 2018. Here is an extract of his speech.

"Although your qualification will have only the name of you as a student, it is in reality, the culmination of a team effort. The completion of your efforts would not be possible without the support of family, friends, fellow students and the staff here at ANU. On behalf of the graduating cohort, I offer my thanks to all who have helped us along the way. In my personal experience, the staff at the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies have always been approachable, and continually display that they are all experts in their field.

Our families and friends have been instrumental in ensuring we are here graduating. My parents didn’t have the opportunity to pursue tertiary education, but invested time and effort in me to make sure I was able to have opportunities they did not. For me, a student who works full-time and has three young children, I offer my thanks to my wife who has supported me over the past four years of study. All of my successes belong to my family, without whom I could not have completed this study. To the families of all the graduates we offer our collective thanks for your effort, time and support.

What we graduates have now is choice. For many, the completion of study marks the start of a career, and now you have an ANU qualification, you are well prepared to take opportunities in the workforce – be it here in Canberra, Australia more broadly or overseas. ANU graduates are ranked as the most employable in Australia and from my own experience advising on recruitment rounds within the Australian Public Service; a qualification from this university ensures you are competitive in any recruitment processes! So you have great career prospects.

Graduation represents a milestone for all of us – a beginning and an end. So what happens now? What do you imagine you can use your education and skills for?

For me, the last time I finished a postgraduate university qualification in 2002, I joined the Army as a soldier. Since then, I have been inspired by numerous work experiences in the Middle East, a year-long Farsi language qualification and broader experience in the international environment to pursue a Master of Middle East and Central Asian studies. I now understand the region more deeply and am better able to fulfil my current role in the Department of Defence providing policy advice to government.

My career continues to offer me the opportunity to serve the nation and to make a positive difference. I hope your education enables you to pursue a career which is meaningful to you, and I encourage you to use your skills and experience to make a difference.

So to everyone, congratulations on your graduation and good luck".

To hear Peter's entire speech - go to the live stream link below.

Live stream of ANU graduation ceremony

 

Image gallery

SHARE

Updated:  26 July 2018/Responsible Officer:  Centre Director/Page Contact:  CASS Marketing & Communications