ECU graduates came together to celebrate their achievement.
Across eight graduation ceremonies held over the weekend, Edith Cowan University (ECU) celebrated the achievements of thousands of students as they crossed the stage in February 2026, marking the culmination of years of study, resilience and hard work. ECU extends its warmest congratulations to every graduate and wishes them every success as they take the next step in their personal and professional journeys.
More than 3,000 graduates crossed the stage, with each ceremony reflecting both the culmination of academic effort and a shared sense of readiness for what comes next.
This sense of readiness was reinforced by a message from ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock, who acknowledged the character and perseverance required to complete one chapter and confidently begin the next.
"Today, we do more than acknowledge your achievement. We celebrate the courage, determination and resilience that have brought you here, and the hopes and dreams you now carry into the world. This is a day of joy, pride and possibility, a day that marks both an ending and a new beginning," Professor Pollock said.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock celebrating with staff and students.
A journey of tenacity
Bachelor of Science graduate Anahita Zoohori delivered a powerful message about the strength and perseverance students have shown in reaching this moment.
Bachelor of Science graduate, Anahita Zoohori.
"No one here arrived at this moment by accident. Each of us has taken a different path to get here. Yet despite our different journeys, we share something powerful in common: tenacity. We kept showing up, even when it was hard, especially those lectures at 8:30 in the morning," Anahita said
Anna also reflected on a poignant message for all graduates regarding their own journey after graduation, which will serve them well in their new chapters.
"We also learned how to fail. Because at some point in life, we will lose. We will embarrass ourselves. We will be terrible at something. But we have learned how to embrace those moments, regroup, and try again," Anahita said.
"And how did we do that? Through curiosity. By asking questions. By leaning into fear instead of running from it. Curiosity creates opportunity. It keeps us learning, growing, and evolving into versions of ourselves we haven't met yet."
A transformative role model
For Master of Nursing graduate Jacinta Carroll, this was an opportunity to acknowledge a role model in her life, who set her on her path to Nursing from a young age.
Master of Nursing graduate, Jacinta Carroll.
"I chose nursing because of my grandmother. She was a nurse long before I understood what the profession truly meant. She cared with a love that wasn't loud, but it was reassuring and unmistakable. She considered every person's needs with tenderness, and she admired their strength even when they couldn't see it themselves," Jacinta said.
"That combination, consideration and admiration made her not just a good nurse, but a transformative one. She was my inspiration with a strength and kindness I deeply sought to emulate. And here I stand today before you all, with big shoes to fill."
Honorary Degrees
Among the graduates at the ECU February graduation were four respected recipients who were awarded Honorary Awards for their outstanding contributions.
Mr Ross Taylor AM
Honorary award of Doctor of the University
Mr Ross Taylor AM is a respected West Australian business leader, international diplomat and philanthropist whose career spans commerce, Australia–Indonesia relations and community health. He has held senior roles across agriculture, transport and international trade, including serving as Western Australia's Commissioner to Indonesia and founding the Indonesia Institute to strengthen bilateral ties.
Following a cancer diagnosis in 1993, Mr Taylor transformed personal adversity into public service, founding Lifeforce Cancer Support Services and helping establish Australia's first Cancer Wellness Centre. His leadership has raised millions for cancer care and support. Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2013, his legacy reflects courage, compassion and a lifelong commitment to community wellbeing.
Ross Taylor AM receiving his honorary award from ECU Chancellor, Gaye McMath.
Mr Jacqueline McGowan-Jones
Honorary degree of Doctor of the University honoris causa
Ms Jacqueline McGowan-Jones is a trailblazing public sector leader and advocate for children and young people, particularly Aboriginal children and those from vulnerable backgrounds. In 2022, she became Western Australia's first Aboriginal woman appointed Commissioner for Children and Young People, and the first Aboriginal person to hold a mainstream Commissioner role in Australia.
Across more than 30 years in government and community leadership, she has driven major reforms in child protection, education, youth justice and Indigenous affairs. Her work centres on culturally responsive policy, human rights and amplifying young voices, leaving a lasting impact on systems designed to protect and empower future generations.
Jacqueline McGowan-Jones receiving her honorary award from ECU Chancellor, Gaye McMath.
Ms Jenni Screen
Honorary degree of Doctor of Health Science honoris causa
Ms Jenni Screen is one of Australia's most accomplished basketball players and a respected leader in sport and athlete advocacy. Representing Australia in more than 127 international games, she won gold at the 2006 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Championship, silver at the Beijing Olympics and bronze at the London Olympics.
Since retiring from elite sport, Ms Screen has built a distinguished career in leadership, education and athlete wellbeing, including senior roles in professional sport and international advocacy through FIBA.
An ECU alumna, she continues to mentor young people, champion gender equality and use sport as a platform for positive social change.
Jenni Screen receiving her honorary award from ECU Chancellor, Gaye McMath.
Honourable David Templeman
Honorary degree of Doctor of Arts honoris causa
The Hon David Templeman has dedicated more than two decades to public service, becoming Western Australia's longest-serving Minister for Culture and the Arts and a passionate champion of creativity, education and community. An ECU graduate and former drama teacher, he brought a deep belief in the power of the arts into public life.
In 2018, he opened ECU's new Screen Academy facilities, in 2022, he announced the Perth Film Studios project, and since 2020 has donated $120,000 to establish scholarships for WAAPA students from the Peel Region. His long-standing involvement in Mandurah's arts scene, including charity performances, raised vital funds for youth pursuing careers in the arts.
His leadership delivered landmark cultural projects including the WA Museum Boola Bardip, Perth Concert Hall redevelopment and Perth Film Studios, strengthening the State's creative industries and supporting emerging talent. Widely admired for his energy and advocacy, Mr Templeman leaves a lasting cultural legacy across Western Australia.
The Hon David Templeman receiving his honorary award from ECU Chancellor, Gaye McMath.
For more information about the benefits of ECU's alumni network, visit the Alumni webpages.
