At her graduation ceremony March 21, Jade delivered a moving commencement speech in which she demonstrated how scholarships have profoundly impacted her life, and the human value of investing in education. She also praised the individuals that contribute to the broader Macquarie University community, and shared words of encouragement and admiration for her fellow graduates as they prepare for the next stage of their life and career.

Her words were a powerful reminder of the tangible impact of scholarships and community support.

Jade Bunt Commencement Speech, Friday 21 March, 2025

Vice-Chancellor, members of the University, fellow graduates and guests.

It is an honour to be here and have the opportunity to speak with you all on such a momentous occasion. I am constantly bewildered by the opportunities that have been afforded to me throughout my time at Macquarie University, and I have regular “pinch-me” moments where I cannot believe my life’s path. Today certainly marks another one of those occasions.

I grew up and was raised on Wiradjuri land at Dubbo. I was fortunate to benefit from the wisdom of my maternal grandfather, his connection to land and quest for opportunities for regional and rural students to dream big and make a difference. This is not always an easy quest to conquer, and certainly a few roadblocks lay in my way threatening to confine my educational path to one closer to home.

Thankfully, through the generous scholarship programs at Macquarie University, I am able to stand before you all today, as an indication of the power of investing in education and in regional and rural students. To the scholarship providers who continue to show their dedication and support to assisting students from all across the country and the world reach for their academic dreams, you have my most humble thanks.

I would also like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to Macquarie University and its faculties. A degree is less defined by its coursework, and more so by its people. I know that we can all reflect on a particular lecturer, tutor, wellbeing or support officer that shaped our academic career and challenged us, prompted us to think differently, or simply supported us on our endeavours and provided a listening ear when we needed it most.

Perhaps even your favourite barista on campus that had memorised your go-to coffee order just in time for exams. Individually, these connections and stories form our journey, and together, these stories make up the rich tapestry that is Macquarie University.

To the graduates - I would like to acknowledge the accomplishments of each and every one of you. Graduating from university is a major accomplishment and is a show of determination, resilience and tenacity. I know that each graduate today has had to overcome their own adversities and challenges to make it across the finish line. It’s very easy as students to be immersed in competition – whether it be subconsciously against each other in our marks, job opportunities or progress, or against ourselves constantly trying to be better and achieve more. I would like you all to take a moment to look in the rearview mirror today and see just how far and wide your journey has been and appreciate how far you have come.

Acknowledge the challenges that you have faced and be proud of how you have persevered through them. In the wise words of Elle Woods “you must always have faith in people. And most importantly, you must always have faith in yourself”.

So, although today marks the end of one chapter, it also marks the start of a new one. Openly embrace the future, with the courage to take risks and with the wisdom you’ve gained from your time at Macquarie University. Go forth with confidence and strength, and achieve great, great things.

Good luck to you all, I hope our professional pathways cross in the future.