Held between 19^th and 28^th July in the grounds of the University’s picturesque Putteridge Bury Campus, the formal graduations took place for both undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Faculties of Education, English & Sport, Creative Arts, Technologies & Science, Health & Social Sciences and the Business School, to signify the completion of their studies.

Professor Rebecca Bunting, Vice Chancellor, joined the celebrations and in her speech to graduates, she urged them to ‘live a good life’.

“A good life is one where you use your talents. You are now graduates, highly skilled and educated to a very high level. To have achieved all this is a privilege and with privilege comes responsibility. I hope you will use your talents not just in pursuit of your own career goals but to the wider benefit of society. A good life is an honest life, one where you live by high moral principles, where you set an example to others. Being trusted by those around you, being recognised as a good person is a very great achievement.”

She continued: “A good life involves care for others, care for the world we share, care for a sustainable future – and to live a good life means that you are committed to the creation of a fair and equal society and are willing to challenge inequality, discrimination and exclusion. You can make a difference and bring about change for the better through the way you live your lives.”

On the first day of ceremonies, graduates were able to help celebrate the official installation of author, screenwriter and journalist, Sarfraz Manzoor, who was announced as the new Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire.

Addressing the audience of graduates, Sarfraz said: “We’ve got two lives – one we are given and the other we make. The life you’re given, you may not always be in control of. It may be one where your class, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation may hold you back – but you’re more than that. So don’t forget where you came from but don’t be a prisoner to it. And do what you love!”

A number of Guests of Honour were also invited to present inspirational speeches during the ceremonies, including Co-Founder of the new Tennis Black List and School of Sport Science & Physical Activity alumnus, Richard Sackey-Addo. Since his own graduation, Richard has gone on to have a successful career in the tennis industry and campaigns passionately for increasing diversity and inclusion in sport.

Amongst the students graduating was PhD student Georgina Constantinou, who has developed research into child palliative care and the impact on families. Her four-year PhD was part-funded by local charity, Keech Hospice Care, and supported by the University’s Institute for Health Research (IHR).

Liz Searle, CEO of Keech Hospice Care, commented: “We are delighted with this first funded PhD student and to be here today at the graduation ceremony to celebrate with Georgina. This particular piece of work was a great partnership with the University and allowed us to really look at the needs for our families with children who have life-limiting illnesses. The evidence will change practice, which is so important.”

There was an emotional moment during one of the ceremonies for the Faculty of Health & Social Sciences as a posthumous award was presented to guest Bryanna Petrie, in honour of her late mother and Social Work student, Carolyn Petrie. Bryanna crossed the stage to receive her mother’s degree certificate and received a standing ovation from academic staff seated on the podium.

Despite the indecisive weather, the graduates and their guests relished in the ceremonial activities, presentations and networking with their peers and VIP attendees from across the University’s community. These included Lisa Wainwright MBE, Honorary graduate (2019) and member of the University Court; representatives from Luton & Dunstable University Hospital who work closely with the University on its degree placement programmes and apprenticeships; and Festus Akinbusoye – Bedfordshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner – who greeted and shared career advice with Professional Policing graduates.

A gallery of photos taken at the ceremonies can be viewed on the University’s Graduation webpage