As she looked over the crowd of proud family members and friends at the graduation ceremony, alert with their cameras, she saw her soon-to-be husband and new baby.

Although the graduation meant closing a chapter, Dr Hopps said Charles Sturt University would remain a significant part of her past.

Dr Hopps met her partner Jake Wallis three years ago; “their eyes met through a video conference”, while he was also studying for a PhD.

Weeks later the couple met at a research forum at the Bathurst campus.

Dr Wallis graduated with a PhD in information studies on Monday in Wagga and yesterday celebrated Dr Hopps’ achievements.

Dr Hopps became pregnant with their daughter Erin just after she finished her four years of study and Dr Wallis said it motivated him to complete his studies.

“If you think a PhD is hard, try being a parent,” he joked.

“The late nights won’t stop.”

Dr Hopps said they would now focus on being parents and facing their future together as a family.

“We never would have thought when we started studying that this would be at the end,” she said as she looked to her fiance.

“It’s even better than expected.”

Dr Hopps gained her PhD in early childhood education, with her research exploring the impact of the transition for children from preschool to school.

“The relationships between the educators is important,” she said.

“It’s how simple things like returning phone calls and emails make a difference.”

Dr Hopps’ research was inspired by work as a preschool teacher.

A wave of black mortar boards were poised on the heads of more than 250 proud graduands ahead of two ceremonies in Albury.

It's not every day you see a dog graduate from university.