Ceremony 1
Our Winter Graduation ceremony took place on the morning of Monday 28 January at the Royal Festival Hall on London’s South Bank.
Students and excited guests began to fill the auditorium before the ceremony began.
At 10:30am, the lights went down, and the Procession entered the auditorium.
Cue dramatic lighting.
Our vice-chancellor, Professor Paul O’Prey, opened the ceremony.
Great Britain Olympic hockey coach, Daniel Kerry, was awarded an honorary degree.
University Chancellor, Professor Dame Jacqueline Wilson, conferred the degree.
Then it was the turn of our proud students to cross the very long red carpet and shake hands with Jacqueline Wilson.
Like so 😊🤝😊
Everyone looked so happy 👍
Some waved to their loved ones in the crowd 👋
Others embraced those who supported them academically during their studies.
Some spotted their favourite tutor in the Procession sitting on the stage.
And didn’t hold back celebrating their proud moment on the red carpet.
Students’ Union President Chuchu Nwagu addressed the crowd with an inspiring speech.
Ceremony 1 then came to a close and it was time for our graduates to celebrate their success.
“We did it!”
Students rejoined their proud guests.
And course-mates were able to share a drink with one another in their department receptions.
Ceremony 2
Ceremony 2 then got underway at 2pm.
We were joined by the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Piers McCausland.
Maggie Philbin OBE was awarded an honorary degree.
During her acceptance address, Maggie asked that students stand and applaud their family and friends in the audience, as a thank you for their support.
Then we saw more smiles on stage as degrees in the ceremony were conferred.
Lots of smiles.
And some horns 🤘
And it was once again the time for SU President Chuchu to address the room ⭐
Outgoing Vice-Chancellor Paul O’Prey closed the ceremony with a heartfelt speech, thanking the students for their role in his 15 year tenure as VC.
And just like that, celebrations began again.
We’d like to say to all guests that attended to share in the special occasion…
To all maroon-robed university staff that helped on the day…
To our incredible venue, the Royal Festival Hall…
To those who captured the event for those who were unable to attend…
And to the students who make the University of Roehampton proud every day…
Thank you.
You make #RoeGraduation the incredible occasion that it is.
We’ll be back in July 2019. Until then, raise a glass, or two, to the newest members of our alumni community.
Cheers 🥂💚
All images courtesy of the incredibly talented Chris Perry, also a Roehampton alumnus, and available for hire via his website, where you can also see more photos of the graduation.