For many university students, the years spent at university are about much more than lectures, assignments and exams. They are also about the friendships formed, experiences shared and memories that stay with you long after graduation.
At St Thomas More College (STMC), our annual Valedictory Dinner is one of the most meaningful occasions on the College calendar. It is a chance to celebrate our graduating residents, reflect on their journey at Tommy More and recognise the community they have helped shape.
Held on Thursday, 15 October 2026, the Valedictory celebrations brought together residents, staff and members of the College community for an evening of reflection, gratitude and celebration.
Celebrating the journey beyond the degree
Every resident arrives at Tommy with their own story, ambitions and expectations for university life. Over time, those individual journeys become part of something bigger: a community built on friendship, shared experiences, personal growth and a sense of belonging.
From the excitement of Orientation Week and the friendships formed over meals to sporting competitions, cultural celebrations, outreach initiatives and late-night conversations, life at Tommy offers countless opportunities to make the most of the university experience.
The Valedictory Dinner provides an opportunity to look back on these moments and acknowledge the contribution each graduating resident has made to the College.
It is also a reminder that while one chapter may be coming to an end, the connections made at Tommy can continue well beyond university.
A celebration of community and connection
The evening's celebrations began with the Valedictory Mass in the College Chapel, bringing residents together in reflection and gratitude as they marked this important milestone.
The Mass was accompanied by the beautiful voices of Aquinas College's Schola Cantorum, whose musical contributions included Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus, Be Still and Here I Am, Lord.
During the Mass, graduating residents were also presented with a crucifix as a keepsake, representing the College's Catholic identity and serving as a lasting reminder of their time at Tommy.
Following the Mass, residents gathered for photographs before continuing the celebrations over dinner. The dinner provided an opportunity to reflect on the graduating residents' journeys, with heartfelt speeches sharing memories and acknowledging their contributions to the College community. Awards were also presented to recognise residents for their achievements, involvement and impact during their time at Tommy.
More than a formal occasion, the Valedictory celebrations reflected the relationships, achievements and shared experiences that make residential college life so special.
More than accommodation: a university experience to remember
Located directly opposite The University of Western Australia (UWA) in Crawley, St Thomas More College offers more than student accommodation in Perth. It provides a welcoming residential community where students can develop academically, socially and personally.
Throughout the year, residents have opportunities to get involved in sporting activities, leadership programs, community outreach, cultural events, professional development and social activities.
These experiences help students build confidence, discover new interests, develop valuable skills and form friendships with people from different backgrounds and walks of life.
For graduating residents, the Valedictory Dinner is a celebration of everything that makes those university years memorable. For prospective residents, it offers a glimpse of the connections, opportunities and experiences that await them at Tommy More.
The Beginning of a Lifelong Alumni Connection
Although graduation marks an exciting new chapter, being part of the Tommy community does not end when residents move on from College.
Our graduating residents become part of the wider STMC alumni community, carrying with them the friendships, values and memories developed during their time here.
To our graduating residents of 2026, thank you for being part of our community and contributing to the spirit of Tommy More. We wish you every success as you take your next steps, and we look forward to welcoming you back to College in the years ahead.
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