ARU London Graduation ceremonies once again took place within the impressive and historic Chelmsford Cathedral, in the grounds of which expectant graduands and their families gathered across three fabulous days in expectation of 'crossing the stage' and transforming into graduates.
For each of the eight ceremonies the sun shone on the assembled participants, with graduands wearing gowns and mortarboards, supported by their friends and family dressed in an array of splendour. The chiming of the Cathedral bells signalled the start of each event, triggering the ceremonial band to begin the formal procession. With the audience standing and cameras clicking, the Academic Mace Bearer led the colourfully begowned academics through the Cathedral to the stage; swiftly followed by the Vice Chancellor's Party, comprising senior university academics adorned in their formal positional robes.
The Academic Registrar called those gathered into place before formally declaring the graduation ceremony in session and calling on the University Vice-Chancellor to speak. Professor Watkins delivered a rousing speech outlining the achievements of students and the University, adding thanks to friends, family, supporters and staff who helped graduands on their respective journeys. The ARUL Principal was then called to the lectern to present each graduand receiving an Award to the Vice Chancellor. As each name was presented by Dr Sexton, each graduand crossed the stage to tumultuous applause, doft their cap to the Vice Chancellor, and left the stage as a graduate. Halfway through each ceremony, a senior academic from ARUL gave a rousing speech recognising the journey of the graduates and driving expectations of future successes.
With all Awards presented, a new graduate gave the vote of thanks to family, friends, staff and academics, highlighting the quality and achievements of the entire university community. The ceremony began to draw to a close with the Vice-Chancellor formally admitted all graduates to the community of scholars, requiring them to uphold the principles of free thought and academic scholarship, and congratulating them on their success to almighty applause and celebration throughout the Cathedral.
The ceremonies came to a close with the formal academic procession as the senior academics were followed by the academic staff, and new graduates out of the Cathedral, signalling their transformation from graduand to graduate. Graduates exited the Cathedral to further applause from the proud academics, as the celebrations began in style. Endless pictures, videos, cap-throwing, and flower-giving were followed with drinks in the marquee to the sound of a light jazz pianist, and various celebratory activities.
Once again, ARUL graduations proved a wonderful and unforgettable experience for all concerned.