Graduation ceremonies begin for over a thousand students

Goldsmiths students throwing their graduation caps in the air. Photo: GUoL.

Goldsmiths students throwing their graduation caps in the air. Photo: GUoL.

Goldsmiths University of London graduands will have their ceremonial presentations this week celebrating what is for them a critical stage in their lives.

Taking place in the grand surroundings of the Great Hall in the Richard Hoggart Building at the university, the ceremonies – led by the Chair of Council and the Warden of Goldsmiths, will see more than a 1000 students receive their degrees.

Joining them will be acclaimed poet, Wendy Cope, who will receive an honorary fellowship alongside other leading figures from the arts, media and industry.

Abdul Quddus Wahid, 22, who studied BA (Hons) Education, Culture and Society, and will be attending on Wednesday, said: “After studying for three years and having to endure many sleepless nights, I am proud to attend a graduation ceremony like this.

“I will cherish all the good times I had studying at this place”.

Another student, Mohammod Ali, 24, who studied Bsc (Hons) Computing & Information Systems, said: “I am looking forward to it; not really sure what to expect. Will really miss the university as a whole”.

His fellow colleague, however, expressed a bit of cynicism, commenting: “I don’t see the value in ceremonies like these. You need to spend a fair amount of money to even attend one of these”.

Other attendees to receive honorary degrees and fellowships from the university include BBC journalist and former Goldsmiths student Helen Fawkes, former Chair of Goldsmiths’ governing Council, Christopher Jonas, and spoken word artist David Pugilist.

Marion North, former Director of Deptford’s Laban Centre, will receive a posthumous Honorary Fellowship for her contribution to the development of contemporary dance.

Cope commented: “I attended evening classes at Goldsmiths for several years from around 1976. I am delighted Goldsmiths has decided to honour me with a fellowship.”

Pugilist, who lives close to the university’s campus in South East London, added: “For any Poet to receive recognition is a great honour.”

Following the ceremony there will be a chance to continue the celebrations and mingle with other graduates and guests on the College Green, where canapés and drinks will be served.

The ceremonies take place from Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 September.

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