The graduation ceremonies held at the Bathurst and Wagga Wagga campuses for the class of 2020 are the first on-campus ceremonies the University has hosted since the COVID-19 pandemic arrived early last year.

Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor John Germov said he is looking forward to welcoming the class of 2020 back to campus for the graduation ceremonies and celebrating this important milestone with them.

"Graduation ceremonies are an important life-changing milestone; not only do they mark the successful completion of one's current academic journey, they also signal the start of a new phase of life as our graduates apply their newfound capabilities to shape the world of tomorrow," Professor Germov said.

One Port Macquarie local who proudly attended the university's first graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 was Vanessa Kos.

She made the trip to Bathurst with her husband so she could celebrate completing the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery.

"When COVID hit, I was sad that our graduation ceremonies were postponed, however I knew that Charles Sturt University had our best interests at heart by keeping us and our families safe," Ms Kos said.

"I knew I'd have the chance to don the cap and gown and I couldn't wait to celebrate.

"These graduation ceremonies give us the chance to celebrate all the hard work and dedication that not only we have put in, but also the families that have supported us along the way.

"I know my husband and mum are so proud that I've graduated - finally reaching my dream.

"And I am proud that I get to show my girls that a dream can become reality with a little hard work and dedication."

Ms Kos said ever since she started her nursing degree 16 years ago, she's always been drawn to midwifery.

She decided to follow her passion and study the midwifery course via online study. During this time, she worked as a registered nurse and student midwife.

"The lecturers were very supportive, and the university provided great hands on support through residential schools," she said.

"It's tough to create a simulated environment when no two women have the same experience during pregnancy or birth.

"The simulations that we completed gave us a great grounding for what could happen."

Ms Kos is now looking forward to continuing her career as a nurse and midwife.

The on-campus ceremonies for the class of 2020 are being held at the University's largest venues to accommodate as many guests as possible while meeting all COVID-safe requirements.

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