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Graduation special

The beginning of the academic year heralded a very special occasion in the University of Wolverhampton calendar. As new students started their University journey, thousands celebrated the culmination of their time at Wolverhampton at their graduation ceremony.
 
Students could be spotted throughout the city in their caps and gowns, preparing to collect their degree scrolls from the Grand Theatre.
 
Each of the 10 academic Schools hosted its own graduation to allow students who worked together throughout their time at University to collect their awards at the same time.
 
The graduations took place over nine days in September and thousands of students trooped through the doors of the Grand Theatre during this time. It was also a special moment for the family and friends of students who supported them when they were working hard and provided guidance when making decisions about their course.
 
It was a significant day for the many academic staff who provided interesting lectures and seminars, spent time reading through assignments and projects and offered advice to students on their courses. The University’s Chancellor, the Lord Paul of Marylebone, and Vice Chancellor, Professor Caroline Gipps, along with Governors and members of the University’s Executive and Deans, presided at the graduations to congratulate the students on their success.
 
Also stepping up on stage was a number of honorary awardees. Honorary doctorates are made to people nominated by staff within the University who they feel have made a significant contribution to their field within the region and nationally. Among those who received awards in 2008 were South African tennis player Frew McMillan, who won five Wimbledon doubles titles and ten majors including the French and US Open, former Chief Executive of Advantage West Midlands John Edwards and Barbara Hulanicki, who founded the fashion label BIBA.
 
Graduation involved a lot of planning across the University’s departments. In particular, Registry had a key role to play co-ordinating the whole event. This involved confirming attendance with students, organising the robes and photography, and ensuring the graduations themselves run smoothly.
 
Paul Travill, Academic Registrar, says: “Graduation is an important day for each individual student and their family and friends. Everyone at the University wants to ensure that graduation is a special and memorable occasion for students, and a great deal of planning goes into the event each year.
 
“This year we introduced a new congregation booklet for students, which was a wonderful way for them to remember their time at the University.”
 
Most importantly, graduation was the culmination of years of hard work for students and an opportunity to celebrate their successes. The event marked a new beginning for the graduates as they moved into a range of exciting careers or further study, and everyone at the University of Wolverhampton wishes them well on their chosen path, and looks forward to them joining our Alumni.