A man whose fight for freedom helped to liberate and re-build one of the world’s newest nations will be honoured during Charles Darwin University’s mid-year graduation ceremony next week (31 May and 1 June).
Xanana Gusmão was integral in the 24-year struggle for independence for East Timor. In 2002, he became the first President of the county he helped to liberate, and now holds the office of Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
A winner of countless peace awards, Mr Gusmão has helped shape the fledgling nation for more than 10 years since its independence, and will be presented with his Honorary Doctorate for nation building on Thursday, 31 May at the Darwin Convention Centre.
Doctor of Letters, Honoris Causa H.E. Mr Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão will deliver the Occasional Address at the ceremony.
Thousands of VET and higher education students will graduate during one of three mid-year CDU graduation ceremonies on Thursday, 31 May and Friday, 1 June in Darwin.
On Thursday the ceremony for the Faculty of Engineering, Health, Science and the Environment, Menzies School of Health Research, Faculty of Vocational Education and Training, School of Primary Industries and School of VET Health, Community and Children Services will be held.
Friday’s ceremonies will recognise graduands from the Faculty of Law, Education, Business and Arts, the Australian Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Education, Faculty of Vocational Education and Training, School of Business and Service Industries and School of Trades.
The welcome address for all ceremonies will be delivered by CDU Chancellor Her Honour the Honourable Sally Thomas, AM. The Friday morning Occasional Address will be delivered by Companion of the University Ms Wendy James, while the evening ceremony Occasional Address will be delivered by Companion of the University Dr David Parry.