The Charles Sturt University associate professor was recognised by the university council at the graduation ceremony on Wednesday for his "exceptional achievement and service to the university and the Albury-Wodonga region".

The citation that supported Dr Pennay's nomination said both his "professional and personal pursuits had aligned with the university's goals of enriching the lives of regional Australians". But for Dr Pennay the honour was really about everyone else who he has worked with.

"I feel the award is also a recognition of the efforts of many people who struggled to secure and advance a higher education presence in Albury-Wodonga, and then helped establish a university campus engaged in developing a vibrant regional culture," he said.

"I am grateful to the School of Environmental Sciences and the Institute of Land Water and Society which have encouraged my interest in the historic environment and heritage.

"I am also grateful to colleagues in other faculties and university units which have collaborated with me in several really worthwhile projects."

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Dr Pennay's Honorary Doctorate comes more than 20 years after he retired from full time work at the university.

The graduation ceremony also celebrate an academic at the beginning of their career with Mitchell Cowan receiving the Bachelor Honours University Medal.

And for Mr Cowan his next goal is to finish a PhD after graduating with a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Honours)

As part of his honours study, Mr Cowan researched the denning requirements of female northern quolls in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and the implications of creating artificial refuges for the quolls.

More than 300 students celebrated the end of their studies on Wednesday at the Charles Sturt University graduation ceremonies.

Braving the heat in their robes and graduate caps students were presented with their degrees at three separate ceremonies at the Albury Entertainment Centre.

For most students it is now time to start applying for full time work in their field or furthering their studies but for podiatry graduate Jayden Bonk he has his next 12 months sorted.

"I have secured work with public health in Canberra and will likely start in February," he told The Border Mail.

"It is nice knowing I have the next 12 months worked out and I don't have to start looking for work now.

"It has been a long road through uni studies for me after I originally started doing a Bachelor of Business before transferring into podiatry.

"I am so glad I am now going to be working in a field I love and am looking forward to celebrating my graduation with my friends and family."

It was also a special end to year for the university who celebrated 30 years in 2019.