8 February 2016: University of Canberra alumna and 2016 ACT Young Australian of the Year Nipuni Wijewickrema will deliver the 2016 Commencement Address during Orientation Week (O-Week).
O-Week is designed to help students get settled into university life and ready for study. Students will have the opportunity to attend course advice sessions, campus tours, market days, free live music and more.
On Thursday, Ms Wijewickrema, who graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2014, will speak to the University's newest students about how early challenges didn't stand in the way of pursuing her passion for journalism and obtaining a degree.
She will also share how personal heartbreak turned her into a businesswoman. Ms Wijewickrema, whose younger sister Gayana has Down syndrome, opened with her family GG's Flowers, a floristry business which is committed to creating meaningful employment opportunities for those with disabilities.
The 2014 Young Canberra Citizen of the Year and recent finalist in both the National Young Australian of the Year and ACT Australian of the Year awards has also been recognised for her involvement as a volunteer at Lifeline and YWCA Canberra's Respect NOW anti-violence against women campaign.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker said the University is always proud to welcome back successful graduates.
"It is fantastic to see University of Canberra graduates make their mark on the community and I believe Ms Wijewickrema will inspire our next generation of students to achieve their very best," he said.
All first-year students will also receive a copy of the 2016 UC Book of the Year, The Strays by Melbourne-based author Emily Bitto, who they will be able to meet as part of O-Week.
Ms Bitto will be on campus on Wednesday, where she will be signing copies of The Strays as part of UC Life! Market Day at the University's Refectory.
The University will welcome more than 3,600 new students during O-Week. A selection of events is below.
Classes start on Monday, 15 February.
Monday 8 February10.00am UC Life! Welcome Back Breakfast, Concourse
Tuesday 9 February11.00am-12.30pm UC Life! Free Donuts, Concourse
10.30am-12.30pm Student Engagement Amazing Race, The Well
7.00pm Back to School Trivia, The Well
Wednesday 10 February10.00am-3.00pm UC Life! Market Day, UC Refectory
1.30pm-2.30pm UC Book of the Year signing with Emily Bitto, UC Refectory
3.00pm-5.00pm Futuristic Mega Games, UC Oval
Thursday 11 February12.00pm-1.00pm Commencement Ceremony, 2B09
2.00pm Zooper Dooper Day, Concourse