SAE Creative Media Institute (SAE) was thrilled to hold its Diploma and Degree Graduation Ceremony at Q Theatre in Auckland on Wednesday 8 February.
The Graduation was initially scheduled for 1 February but Auckland’s State of Emergency and flooding forced SAE to reschedule. “It feels deeply unfair that these students had their graduation impacted after studying for three years during COVID impacted times, but all the more reason last night’s celebration was a momentous occasion” SAE Campus Director, Dr Suzette Major said.
There were over 50 graduates across three year groups, from the Diploma in Audio Production, Diploma in Electronic Music Production and Diploma in Screen Production, as well as the Bachelor of Audio Production, Bachelor of Music Production and Bachelor of Screen Production.
SAE Auckland Academic board member Dr Robert Pouwhare opened the ceremony and congratulated the students on studying in such challenging times. This sentiment was echoed throughout the night including by SAE Auckland Academic Manager Dr Maria Walls who spoke of their fortitude, creativity and commitment to study.
One such student is Ciara Bernstein who, after three years of hard work and dedication to her craft, graduated with a Bachelor of Audio Production. “We made it! We completed our degrees and that’s an incredible accomplishment. It takes a lot of dedication and effort from yourself, but also from those around you who support and help you along the way,” Ciara said in her Valedictorian speech.
“When I look back on my experience at SAE, I can’t help but feel like it was the beginning of something great, not the end. And I look forward to what the future holds for my fellow graduates and I!”
Despite all the disruptions caused by COVID and the recent State of Emergency, SAE was grateful to have an opportunity to finally celebrate with these remarkably resilient students.
Photography by BC Photography www.bcphotography.co.nz