Congratulations to Birkbeck’s graduates
Graduates are formally celebrating their academic qualification at seven ceremonies across three days from 30 April to 2 May.
Around 1100 graduates will be celebrating their achievements at a series of ceremonies this week. They will receive personal congratulations from the Master of Birkbeck, Professor David Latchman CBE, over the course of three days, from Tuesday 30 April to Thursday 2 May.
The 2019 graduating class will be addressed by Birkbeck President, Baroness Joan Bakewell and three new Fellows of the College. Those receiving Fellowships this year are author Kit de Waal, who set up scholarships for underrepresented students on Birkbeck’s MA Creative Writing programme; Professor Jan Etienne, former Associate Lecturer in the Department of Geography who was responsible for a number of initiatives to widen participation to underrepresented groups and promoting staff development; and the Rt Hon Baroness of Frognall, Sue Garden, who has been a tireless advocate for mature and part-time learners throughout her career.
The ceremonies are a chance for graduates, along with their friends and families, to reflect on the culmination of their studies and celebrate their achievements. They also highlight the international diversity of the College’s community, with this month’s celebrants drawn from over 100 countries worldwide.
There is also significant diversity of age within the graduation cohort. The largest contingent - around 40% - of those graduating are aged between 21-30, followed by 34% aged between 31-40, and 14% aged between 41-50. Around 12% of those graduating this year are over 50.
Commenting on the spring graduation ceremonies, Professor David Latchman said: “Birkbeck is a special place which provides the opportunity for people from all walks of life to study and achieve their ambitions, and the diversity of this graduating class reflects our inclusive ethos. I’m looking forward to celebrating the remarkable achievements of our 2019 graduates, many of whom will have been juggling their studies alongside work, family and other commitments.”