Celebrating 25 years of impact: Curtin College marks a milestone partnership with Curtin University
Curtin College has celebrated 25 years of delivering pathway programs into Curtin University, supporting more than 14,000 domestic and international students on their journey to undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Since 2000, the college has opened doors for students from diverse backgrounds, creating more equitable access to higher education and equipping students with skills and confidence to succeed at Curtin University and beyond.
The celebration reflected on the transformative impact of this partnership and brought together senior leaders from Curtin University, Navitas, and Curtin College, along with distinguished alumni. Speakers included Quentin Derrick (College Director and Principal), Professor Harlene Hayne (Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University), and Scott Jones (Group CEO, Navitas); each reflecting on the impact of their partnership, the global value of the Navitas-Curtin model, and highlighting the power of collaboration, care, and a shared vision in delivering global education outcomes.
“Our long-standing partnership with Curtin University is a powerful example of how we deliver meaningful pathways that not only lead to qualifications, but also change lives,” said Scott Jones, Group CEO, Navitas.
Pictured above: Rod Jones (Navitas Co-Founder and Chairman, Professor Harlene Hayne (Vice-Chancellor, Curtin University) and Scott Jones (Navitas Group CEO).
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of alumni whose journeys exemplify the long-term impact of the partnership. A heartfelt keynote was delivered by alumna Diem Quynh Pham who shared an inspiring account of her journey; from her home country of Vietnam, to arriving in Perth, Australia to study a Diploma of Commerce at Curtin College, and continuing her studies at Curtin University where she went on to receive the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Award for her merits.
“The experience I had at Curtin College was not only academic, it was personal and transformative. It gave me the foundation and friendships that still guide me today,” remarked Diem Quynh Pham.
Pictured above: Curtin College alumna Diem Quynh Pham from Vietnam.
Guests at the celebration also heard from Vishwa Patel, a Curtin College student from India who was the recipient of the ‘WA International Tertiary Student of the Year Award’ in 2020, and fellow student Charles Tadiwa Mhizha from Zimbabwe who was a Student Leader and contributed to Curtin’s vibrant student life. Their stories reflected the diversity, global reach, and success of the Navitas-Curtin pathway experience.
Pictured above: Curtin College alumni Charles Tadiwa Mhizha, Vishwa Patel and Chris Fordyce.
To honour the 25 anniversary milestone, commemorative plaques were presented by Curtin College and Navitas leadership to Professor Harlene Hayne, Professor Xiaotian Zhang, and Dr Marco Schultheis from Curtin University, as a gesture that symbolised mutual respect and future collaboration.
As Navitas and Curtin College reflect on 25 years of impact, the focus remains on delivering inclusive, student-first education that prepares learners for success in a rapidly changing world.
“We look forward to continuing this journey, with our students, our partners, and our people – well into the future,” said Quentin Derrick, College Director and Principal.
Here’s to the next 25 years of growth, innovation, and positively impacting lives!
