History to be made as UniSA’s last graduates cross the stage

23 February 2026

More than 4000 students will add to UniSA’s unstoppable legacy over the next three weeks as they graduate in what will be the University of South Australia’s last ever graduation ceremonies.

UniSA graduands will cross the stage across 21 ceremonies at Pridham Hall and two regional ceremonies – one in Whyalla and one in Mount Gambier. The ceremonies begin on Tuesday 24 February with UniSA’s last graduation ceremony to be held in Mount Gambier on Friday 13 March.

During the forthcoming ceremonies, legendary Australian filmmaker and director Dr George Miller AO will be awarded an honorary doctorate. Dr Miller’s passion for film eventually led him to write and direct his first feature-length film, Mad Max, released in 1979 and starring a then unknown Mel Gibson.

UniSA Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd says Dr Miller has more than earned his place as the statesman of Australian film.

“Across more than four decades of filmmaking, George Miller has consistently demonstrated the power of imagination, integrity and collaboration. His work has shaped Australia’s cultural identity and shown how stories can spark reflection, connection and progress,” Prof Lloyd says.

“The Mad Max universe, and the South Australian landscapes’ evocative role in that, is a reminder that progress is never a solo journey, and the film series’ enduring impact is just one of many reasons why George Miller deserves maximum honours.”

Anangu teacher and cultural custodian Angkuna Akitiya Tjitayi Stevens will be made a University Fellow in recognition of her immeasurable contributions to education in Anangu communities over the past eight decades.

“Angkuna can rightly be considered a national living treasure,” Prof Lloyd says. “She was among the first students at the original school of the Ernabella Mission in the 1940s, going on to become an educator. Angkuna is revered for her foundational and continuing contribution to early childhood education and schooling in the APY Lands.”

Prof Lloyd says UniSA’s final graduations will be a special, if bittersweet, celebration.

“Our graduates join a community of more than 250,000 UniSA alumni who preceded them, and go on now as members of the new Adelaide University alumni network, more than 400,000 strong and spread across the globe,” he says. “As our final graduating cohort, they hold a unique place in our history, carrying forward the enterprising spirit and values that have long defined us.”

UniSA will also acknowledge distinguished members of its community, bestowing an honorary doctorate on Chancellor John Hill, and emeritus professorships on Professors Christopher Daniels and Marie Wilson. Alan Brideson, previously Chief Marketing and Communications Officer and currently Chief of Staff, will be made a Fellow of the University.

“It’s fitting that our final honours are bestowed upon such an accomplished group, each of whom stands as a true ambassador of UniSA’s values,” Prof Lloyd says.

UniSA Chancellor John Hill says it’s also important to acknowledge the work of Prof Lloyd as the University’s longest-serving Vice Chancellor. During the graduation ceremonies, the University will award Prof Lloyd both an honorary doctorate and the title of emeritus professor.

“David has demonstrated visionary leadership and extraordinary contributions, not only to UniSA but to higher education in South Australia and nationally,” Hill says.

“David’s legacy will endure through Adelaide University, a vision he helped realise with unwavering dedication.

“We are also pleased that we could name the Enterprise Hub building in Light Square the Lloyd Building in David’s honour. The building’s rich history and significance to the social and economic history of our State is an appropriate and lasting reminder of David’s contribution.”

UniSA’s final graduation ceremonies will be held in:

Adelaide

Pridham Hall: Tuesday 24 February to Wednesday 4 March

Whyalla

Middleback Arts Centre: Friday 6 March

Mount Gambier

Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre: Friday 13 March