After an unprecedented year, 2020 saw 162 students graduate from the Diploma of Sport (Sport Development)/Diploma of Leadership and Management (SIS50319/BSB51918) course, delivered in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology.
125 students received their qualifications at the Melbourne campus, 22 in the Albury/Wodonga region, and 15 in Mildura.
With restrictions in Victoria in place due to COVID-19, an online event celebrated students’ achievement in what was a challenging yet rewarding year for all.
Head of Education & Training, Damien Villarosa, says, “There is no doubt that 2020 will be a year we remember for the unprecedented challenges it presented”.
“For our graduating students to find such success despite the challenges and the huge level of uncertainty is a true credit to each of them.
“Over 60% of graduates are going on to further study, with a majority heading to Swinburne to complete a relevant degree. 24 students have received direct employment in the sports industry.
“This achievement will become a key part of their story, and we look forward to seeing them progress as professionals in their field.”
8 graduates secured employment with Richmond Institute or the Richmond Football Club.
Natahlia Moharram, Madeline Plant, Joseph Watts, Makenzi Bendelle, Gemma Thorneycroft, and Nicholas Dorman are now Student Success Mentors at Richmond Institute and will support the new class of 2021 across all three campuses.
After showcasing her strengths throughout several placements, Claire Schumacher is now an Administration Assistant in the Placements and Events team and will help find opportunities for students in 2021.
Phillip Pettinella, Laura Asciak, and Matthew Headon are now in Membership Sales Officer positions at the Richmond Football Club and will play a crucial role in retaining over 100,000 Richmond members.
Phillip addressed his classmates at the online ceremony and highlighted the ups and downs that the year presented. He was also a recipient of the Industry Excellence award on the night.
“Online learning provided its own unique challenges, but with the support from the staff, I was able to engage and continually develop my skills during these difficult times,” said Phillip.
“COVID-19 may have impacted our learning environment, but opportunities for industry placement were always available.
“Despite the circumstances, students completed over 11,000 hours of placement due to online simulated placements.
“Although 2020’s challenges were like nonother, the resilience all students showed to overcome these is extraordinary. Many of us seized the chance to undertake further work to develop our skills for future opportunities”.
Other award winners that were presented at the 2020 graduation were:
Sporting Excellence Awards: Harry Mezger & Vashti Muller
Leadership Excellence Awards: Max Pinchbeck & Lachlan Wearne
Industry Excellence Awards: Phillip Pettinella & Claire Schumacher
Academic Excellence Awards: Laura Gillett & Alana Mawby
Connection Awards: Paul Groves & Samuel Gelb
Program Excellence Awards: Matthew Headon & Joseph Watts
Graduation ceremonies for the Albury/Wodonga & Mildura campuses will be held in the coming weeks.
