Birkbeck's November Graduations a resounding success
The College’s Autumn Graduations brought together staff and students from across Birkbeck to celebrate the academic achievements of over 800 students.
Taking place at University of London’s iconic Senate House, this year’s Autumn Graduation saw a total of seven ceremonies occur across three days, from Tuesday 8 through to Thursday 10 November.
Over 800 students plus their well-wishers gathered to celebrate the completion of their studies at Birkbeck. A live-stream of each ceremony was also available on the Birkbeck website for those who were unable to attend in person, allowing them to enjoy the celebrations from afar.
The vast array of ages, backgrounds and experiences of Birkbeck’s diverse student body was evident, as the former students came together to celebrate the finale to their studies.
They included Usha Rasagopal, a refugee from Sri Lanka who overcame the odds to get her degree in English, and Richard Harvey, who completed his degree in French Studies at the age of 64 and called his experience “life-affirming.”
Also among those graduating was Paddy Munyui, who studied BSc Business whilst running his own successful music management company, and Gladys Paulsen who completed her LLB Law and Commercial Law degree and is embarking on a new career in law after 20 years in sales. She commented: “I am forever grateful to Birkbeck for providing me with the opportunity to study and assisting me in achieving my dream.”
Over the course of the three days the graduands received congratulations from the Vice-Chancellor of Birkbeck, Professor David Latchman CBE, and President of the College Baroness Joan Bakewell. They were also addressed by Professor Joanna Bourke, College Orator; and new Fellows of the College: Sue Betts, Lord Johnson of Marylebone, Hugh Ferrand, and Nicholas Keep.
Professor David Latchman commented: “Throughout its history Birkbeck has remained true to its original mission to transform lives through education that is accessible to all who can benefit from it. I am immensely proud of all the graduates and wish them all the best in the future as they become part of our community of alumni.”