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Congratulations to Birkbeck’s Class of 2019

Birkbeck will celebrate the achievements of its graduating class across three days of ceremonies this November, and welcome five new Fellows to the College.

Students from Birkbeck’s Class of 2019 are photographed during their graduation ceremony

Around 850 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 5 to Thursday 7 November 2019.

The 2019 graduating class will be addressed by the President of Birkbeck, Baroness Joan Bakewell and five new Fellows of the College. Those receiving Fellowships this year are:

  • The Rt Hon John Bercow, a strong advocate of Birkbeck’s flexible evening study model and of lifelong education more broadly. As Speaker of the House of Commons, a role he held until last week, he sought to champion the rights of backbench MPs to bring ministers to account on the pressing issues of the day.
  • Sir Terence Etherton, who as Master of the Rolls is the second most senior figure in the English and Welsh judiciary. He has contributed immensely to Birkbeck’s community as Visiting Professor in the School of Law and as Patron of the student-led Birkbeck Law Review.
  • Dr Harren Jhoti, President and CEO of Astex Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of drugs in oncology and other areas. He completed his master’s and PhD in Birkbeck’s School of Science and remains hugely supportive of the College.
  • Sir Harvey McGrath, a businessman and philanthropist with a significant interest in widening access to education to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He serves as Chair of Big Society Capital, Chair of the Advisory Board of the Impact investing Institute, Chair of Funding London, and until 2018, Chair of Governors at Birkbeck.
  • Professor Philip Powell, a prolific and accomplished researcher in the field of management and business. He joined Birkbeck in 2009 as the founding Dean of the School of Business, Informatics and Economics, a role he held until earlier this year.

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 all over the world.

Commenting on the autumn graduation ceremonies, Professor David Latchman said: “Birkbeck is a unique institution which welcomes people from all backgrounds and enables them to thrive. I’m looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our 2019 graduating class, many of whom will have juggled their studies alongside work, family and other commitments.

“To our graduates, please know that our alumni network is always ready to support you as you progress through your lives and careers. I urge you to keep in touch and stay involved with the College, and to take advantage of every opportunity available to you. We can’t wait to see what you do next.”

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