ARU London led nine graduation ceremonies at the historic Chelmsford Cathedral, with approximately 1,200 graduates crossing the stage to great applause and celebration.
The highlight of the summer is always the enjoyment of graduation, marking the culmination of many years of study. The summer 2023 ARU London ceremonies saw record numbers enjoy the academic procession, the ceremonial band, and formal speeches before crossing the stage to be recognised by the Vice-Chancellor to tumultuous applause.
Each Ceremony started with the fluttering expectation of the 400 strong audience of graduands and their guests, before the sound of the ceremonial band announced the beginning of the academic procession. The academic staff, encased in their formal robes process behind the small mace-bearer, before the University mace-bearer led the Vice-Chancellor's party and the Principal to the stage. Once again, the Vice-Chancellor gave a lively speech, recognising the achievements of the graduands and University over the year, before the Academic Registrar called the Principal to the stage to present those receiving awards. One by one the Principal read the name of each graduand, who crossed the stage, doffed their mortar board to the Vice-Chancellor, and by tradition moved from a graduand to became a graduate; all under the glow of applause from the whole Cathedral.
The reading of names was interrupted at each event with a speech by a senior academic, or by the presentation of an Honorary Doctorate. Each speech was packed with impassioned enthusiasm for the effort and commitment of the graduates, with exhortation to be brave, ambitious, confident and hard-working in finding the fabulous careers and futures desired, and so change the world into a better, kinder, fairer society.
At the end of each Ceremony the graduates follow the academics in procession from the Cathedral, and so entering the Society of Scholars. Academic staff applauded the graduates as they exited the Cathedral, which marked the beginning of celebrations for the remainder of the day.
A fabulous set of Events, marking the real achievements of our wonderful graduates. All ceremonies will be available on YouTube soon. Please visit the ARU London instagram @angliaruskinuniversitylondon to see more footage of the events.
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