Congratulations to the class of 2024!
Edith Cowan University (ECU) would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to all our students who graduated in the 2024 September graduation ceremony.
This year's cohort of ECU graduates came together over the September weekend with their friends and family to celebrate their achievements and milestones.
For Master of Professional Communication graduate Purity Osiako, being selected as a student speaker for the graduation ceremony was an honour.
Speaking at the ceremony, Purity shared that for many students, their time at ECU was a journey of discovery.
"We arrived with dreams and aspirations, but we leave with so much more. We leave with a sense of purpose, guided by the values that ECU instilled in us—values like integrity, respect, rational inquiry, personal excellence, and courage. It is these values that will shape who we become as we step into the next chapter of our lives," Purity said.
Purity Osiako and her family.
Education is power
Growing up in Kenya, Purity was instilled with the belief that education is a power tool for personal and societal change.
"My journey has been shaped by the support of my family and the values I hold dear, which have guided me to this milestone of graduating with a Master of Professional Communication," she said.
"I've always been passionate about the power of communication to tell stories and create impact. With an undergraduate degree in Communication and Journalism, I saw professional communication as a path to expand my skills and leverage social media for activism and advocacy."
Opportunities for growth
Purity shares that she chose to study at ECU because of its strong emphasis on practical learning and its welcoming environment for international students.
"Being an international student far from home has its challenges, but it also presents an opportunity for growth," Purity said.
"For me, ECU became a second home—one that challenged me to grow academically and also nurtured my personal and professional development.
"The friendships I've made, the knowledge I've gained, and the values I've embraced will stay with me wherever I go."
Purity Osiako.
Parting words
As an ECU graduate of Professional Communication, Purity has learned that the power of words can transform narratives, shape movements, and connect people across borders.
"My advice to others is to stay true to your 'why'—the purpose that led you to pursue your studies. There will be hard times, but with determination and a strong support network, you can overcome any obstacles. Do not be afraid to ask questions, and trust that you have the power to shape your own path," Purity said.
"It truly is an incredible privilege to be able to have access to such an extraordinary place of learning. A privilege that we should not take lightly. And as we depart and conclude this chapter of our lives, let's together be incredible agents of positive impact."
Honorary degree
Among the graduates at the ECU September graduation was a familiar leader who was awarded an Honorary Degree for his transformational leadership.
L-R: ECU Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Omari, Emeritus Professor Steve Chapman CBE and ECU Deputy Chancellor Robert Radley.
Emeritus Professor Steve Chapman CBE
Doctor of the University honoris causa
Known for his transformational leadership and unwavering dedication to higher education, Professor Chapman has led an exemplary and distinguished career spanning over 40 years and has contributed significantly to education, research and community understanding and appreciation of the role higher education can play in transforming lives and enriching society.
Most recently he served as ECU's Vice-Chancellor and President from 2015 to July 2024. A visionary leader in the higher education sector, Professor Chapman's inspiring approach to community engagement and steadfast commitment to the student experience has earned him the worthy recognition of Doctor of the University.
For more information about the benefits of ECU's alumni network, visit the Alumni webpages.
