Descriptions should be written as one or more proper sentences, starting with a capital letter and ending with a full stop, exclamation mark, or question mark.
The school awarded alumna Susan Bickley, distinguished British mezzo-soprano singer, with an honorary doctorate in music. Addressing the congregation as she accepted the degree, she said:
Thank you for this honour! I’ve had the great pleasure and good fortune to stand on this stage many times, usually dressed in an evening gown and holding a musical score.
In many ways my career has not trodden the conventional path. This is the message I would like to convey to you all today, whether writers, performers, practioners: find your own way. Quite often the least lucrative and weird doors lead, not only to other things but to the most satisfaction.
The arts should foster tolerance, understanding and healing and we are relying on you and your creativity to pursue these aims.
Student speaker Vanessa Igoe (MA Broadcast Journalism), began freelancing for the BBC during her studies, and is now working as a Journalism Researcher for their broadcast channels. Addressing the audience, she said:
Student speaker Vanessa Igoe, MA Broadcast Journalism.
Losing my dad to Covid highlighted to me the need to cover the different experiences of clinically vulnerable people, while the government urged a return to normality from lockdown, the voices of millions living in perpetual fear were demanding to be heard.
To tell stories from different perspectives, we have to lean into discomfort, honouring artists and policymakers and journalists who do exactly that and more, from journalists in Palestine to environmental reporters risking their lives to hold power to account. Their sacrifices reminded me that journalism is not just a profession; but a responsibility.
Congratulations to my fellow cohort; analysing your astrology birth charts has been a privilege!
As I stand before you on this momentous day, emotions swell within me. Today is a reflection on the transformative pathway that has brought me from the heart lands of Akwa Ibom state in Nigeria to this distinguished institution.
Let us not forget the human aspect of our endeavours. Behind every line of code, every experiment, and every equation, there is the potential to improve lives, address societal challenges, and contribute to the betterment of humanity. As graduates of the School of Science and Technology, we bear the responsibility to use our skills ethically and for the greater good.
Arturo Rodriguez Fernandez (MSc Business Analytics)
Bayes has changed our lives, that is a fact. The lessons we have learned, both inside and outside of the classroom, will be invaluable as we move forward in our lives.
As we move onto the next phase of our professional careers, let us not forget that our goal should not be only to land the perfect job or to start a successful enterprise. Rather, let us strive to make the people that are here with us today, those at home, and those who are not with us anymore, proud of who we are.
In the afternoon ceremony, student speaker Bibiane Beerens (MSc Corporate Finance) said:
Bibiane Beerens (MSc Corporate Finance)
I would like to thank my parents. My father who did not have the financial resources to study when he was my age, and I am very thankful that he gave me the opportunity to do so. I also want to thank my mother who always believes in me.
It is not just the education that made us grow. Building new friendships, exploring a new city and learning about different cultures are lessons that will continue to enrich our lives long after graduating. I am very excited to see what the future holds for us.
Monday 29 January
Monday saw two graduation ceremonies to celebrate new alumni from the School of Health & Psychological Sciences.
I would like to start by congratulating you all. Completing a degree is a feat in itself, however doing so amidst a global pandemic is an incredible achievement.
As well as those who are physically present in the room, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank those who couldn’t be with us today. I think of my late dad, whom I lost to cancer a few years back.
When I told him that I wanted to say bye to my career in IT and project management and retrain as a therapeutic radiographer, he wholeheartedly supported me, and told me to pursue it with passion and do my best. And so I did.
This taught me that life itself is not linear, it’s not a straight line from A to B, but rather a curvy journey full of surprises and challenges that are waiting to be explored.
In the afternoon, student speaker Malwina Jaroszewicz (BSc Adult Nursing) gave the student address:
Student speaker Malwina Jaroszewicz
Three years ago, I couldn't have imagined standing here and having the privilege to speak. Yet, here I am, and my name is Malwina, with my Polish accent and all.
In these years, I've juggled being a full-time student, working two jobs, and raising a child on my own. But today, I stand in front of you as a qualified nurse! And this only proves that dreams are powerful and hard work pays off.
Our journey as nurses is a lifelong one with many destinations. The most important goal is to change people’s lives. And I believe we are the ones to change the world. I am proud of each of you and of myself.
Tuesday 30 January
On Tuesday morning, students from the School of Policy & Global Affairs stepped across the Barbican stage to become alumni. Student speaker Gedvile Juodvalkyte (BSc Economics) addressed the audience:
Student speaker Gedvile Juodvalkyte
The journey through university has been a true privilege. Some are the first in their families to earn a degree, others have been dreaming about this moment their whole lives, others still honestly don’t know how they made it. Well, whichever camp you fall in. We shall be a source of inspiration for our families and the generations to follow.
Let us remember life is like an economic model; it doesn't always make sense, but that's what makes it interesting. Let's embrace the unpredictability, tackle challenges with the resilience we've cultivated throughout our degree, and forever cherish who helped us get here.
