Bedfordshire’s Class of 2020 ‘virtually’ celebrate completing their degrees

Graduates from the University of Bedfordshire were invited to take part in virtual celebrations after coronavirus caused the usual spring and summer ceremonies to be postponed.

The University took the tough decision to postpone the 2020 graduation ceremonies following disruption and safety concerns due to Covid19.

However, the virtual events were curated to help mark the occasion until the celebrations can happen in person.

Eleanor Stillwell, academic events manager, said: “We saw happy smiling students, many of whom got in the spirit of the occasion and had dressed in academic attire – one graduate even had full white tie and tails on!

"At least one graduating nurse was also able to join in the virtual ceremony during a break in her shift at a hospital, wearing scrubs and a mask!

"Many students had friends and family in attendance and there was whooping and waving throughout the celebrations, which made the challenges of organising a remote, virtual ceremony all the more worthwhile.”

The events held on September 3, and 5, saw over 900 final year students from the University’s Business School, Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies and Science, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and Faculty of Education and Sport come together online with their lecturers, friends and families, who were able to watch from home and overseas via a live stream on the Beds website.

International students from the University’s worldwide partner institutions were also in attendance, including graduates from Majan College in Oman and Oxford College of Business in Sri Lanka.

“Thanks to a powerful combination of your remarkable resilience & our dedicated staff, you’ve made it! Many congratulations. You should be very proud of yourselves, just as we are proud of you,” said Professor Rebecca Bunting, Interim Vice Chancellor of the University, during her welcome message.

As well as listing the graduating students’ names and pinpointing stand-out achievements, the ceremonies were filled with messages from well-wishers across the University’s community, including Heads of Departments and faculties, members of Bedfordshire’s Board of Governors and local VIPs.

“It’s unusual that rather than shaking you warmly by the hand we are meeting online due to the changes posed by coronavirus across the world,” said Helen Nellis, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.

“Nevertheless, I send you all my heartiest wishes and messages which may be of help for your next steps in life.”

Amongst Bedfordshire’s graduating ‘Class of 2020’ was Beds SU’s new student president for 2020/21, Michael Alawaye who completed his degree in BSc Computer Security and Forensics.

Reflecting on his lockdown learning and final year experience, he said: “Studying at home was interesting – I saved a lot of time on little things, like having to dress up and walk to campus, which gave me more time to complete my work.

"However, lockdown rules did impact my degree work due to lack of access to human ‘testers’ and adequate feedback, which meant I had to change my final project plans. I also missed having physical access to the library for extra computer access.

“I’ve now started my role as Student President of Beds SU. I want to ensure that the union provides the best opportunities for new and returning students – it’s important that they gain more than just a degree at the University.

“After my role with Beds SU I plan to stay on at Bedfordshire and achieve a PhD researching cyber security and cyber fraud.”

A number of Honorary degree recipients from past years also shared messages of luck, hope and congratulations to all students, including CEO of Sport and Recreation Alliance, Lisa Wainwright, author Adam Croft, former CEO of the Royal College of Nursing, Dr Peter Carter OBE, and broadcaster and vocal coach, Dr Carrie Grant.

Lisa Wainwright (Honorary Doctor of Science, 2019) said: "When I think back to my graduation with all the gowns and the ceremony, I recognise that those are part of the fun of the day but what’s even more important is recognising what you’ve achieved with friends and family.

"Take time to reflect on your experience at the University – what you’ve learnt and the friends you’ve made for life.”

Dr Peter Carter OBE (Honorary Doctor of Science, 2018) said: “We’re living in extraordinary times and just a few months ago things were unthinkable and unimaginable. So I want to wish you well for your future careers and thank you for all your hard work.”

The University of Bedfordshire hopes to reschedule the 2020 in-person events for early 2021 once the government advises that medium to large-scale events can re-commence.

For more information visit: www.beds.ac.uk/graduation. To view a video of one of the virtual graduations, click here.