On Saturday, 23rd September, CEO Margot Sweeny and staff member, Leonie Davis celebrated their graduations at Southern Cross University.
During the ceremony, Margot received an honorary Doctor of the University. “My relationship with the University spans the period from 1980 to 2017. I have been a student, lecturer, administrative director, Council Member and alumni. During the last 37 years I have watched the University’s development and standing in the education and research sectors with great pride.
“I am overwhelmed to receive this recognition and I am truly honoured to receive it. It is an even greater honour to be placed in such distinguished ranks as those of the past honourees” she said.
Leonie was delighted to be graduating, following what had been a challenging last few years. “It took me 6 years to complete my degree part-time whilst I worked full-time, raised 2 teenage daughters on my own and volunteered as a Leader with Lismore Girl Guides. There were a lot of very late nights and sacrifices required so I could juggle the girl’s activities, work, volunteering and study!”
The support from Summerland, Leonie said, helped her in completing parts of her degree. “Summerland helped me by allowing me to attend some classes on campus at Lismore and even gave me Study Leave of one afternoon a week for three months in 2015 so I could attend classes for my major at the Gold Coast campus,” she said.
Everyone at Summerland would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Margot and Leonie on their individual milestones.
Picture: Margot Sweeny with Leonie Davis and Summerland Chairman, Nick Harrison
