GRADUATION week has kicked off for University of Cumbria today (April 25), as classes of 2020 and 2021 finally get to celebrate following Covid-19 postponements.
The five days of ceremonies held at Carlisle Cathedral will celebrate the academic achievements of 2,700 University of Cumbria graduands.
Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell said: "This week finally gives us the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of those who have waited patiently for their day.
"We are proud of every one of them.
"As well as their academic success, they have demonstrated their determination, commitment and resilience and now many are working in their chosen fields or taking part in further training and study, with a firm focus on transforming their lives and those within their communities.
"We’re also thrilled that we’ve been able to work once again with partners such as Carlisle Cathedral, Tullie House and the Crown & Mitre Hotel to ensure the stage is set for these graduands to enjoy the day and recognition they truly deserve," she said.
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The five-day event will host a pletora of milestone occasions for the university, with today marking a ceremonial milestone as the University of Cumbria congratulated its first-ever cohort of PHD graduates.
Wednesday will be of particular importance as it will see the inauguration of the University of Cumbria Chancellor, The Most Revd & Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York.
Ahead of the ceremony, Archbishop Stephen, said: "I’m delighted to be joining the University of Cumbria for my first ceremonies as Chancellor, conferring academic awards on these graduands – the Classes of 2020 and 2021 – who have demonstrated success, determination and resilience.
"We see in them how education can transform lives and opportunity and we celebrate the important role the university is playing in raising aspirations and enabling skills to be learnt and updated, helping the region and beyond to prosper and flourish," he said.
On Friday, West Cumbrian teacher Kerryann Wilson will receive the Alumnus of the Year award during Friday morning’s closing ceremony - an award that recognises exceptional achievements of a graduate.
Kerryann has worked at Energy Coast UTC since 2015 where she is now the Vice-Principal. Described as a dedicated, inspirational, remarkable teacher, Kerry Ann was a Gold award winner at the Pearson National Teaching Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School (September 2020).
All graduation ceremonies will be streamed live online for the first time and can be accessed through www.cumbria.ac.uk/graduation.
Everyone attending is being encouraged to share their celebrations across social media using the hashtag #wearecumbria.
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