Renowned for being some of the loudest and most enthusiastic at their graduation, students from the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences took to the stage at St Mary’s Church at the Luton campus to collect their awards, cheered on by classmates, family and friends.

The graduations mark the end of years of hard work and dedication to their studies, and allowed families and friends to celebrate alongside their loved ones.

The University’s Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell congratulated the graduates, saying; “I hope that, here at Bedfordshire, as well as developing your skills and knowledge, we have helped you to develop an understanding of yourself, of who you are, of what you can achieve and what changes you can make.

“You are a credit to our staff who have worked so hard with you, a credit to your friends and families who have supported you, but most of all, you are a credit to yourselves.”

Beds SU Vice President for Community Jack Stowell also offered his congratulations to the graduates, saying: “Student life can be difficult but all of you have not only survived – you have thrived. That’s what university does, it nurtures the things you have inside you and brings them out. Stand tall and strong in the light of your success and stand tall with your fellow graduates as the Class of 2016.”

Several students were awarded prizes for their academic achievements across the ceremonies, including:

• Skye Capolucci – The Dean’s Award
• Daniel Mukaddas – MSC Public Health Prize for the Best Overall Grade Profile
• Melanie Prout – Bedfordshire Freemasons’ Martin Foss Award
• Joanna Read – School of Applied Social Studies Contribution to Practice Knowledge & Development in the Social Sciences
• Claire Soares – Best Overall Postgraduate Dissertation