A farewell to our graduating classes.
Over the last two weeks the university of Derby has hosted the graduation ceremonies for the classes of 2020 and 2021.
No other graduating class has endured the hardships like those of the last two years. Covid-19 has ripped through our society, devastating families and causing significant harm to the learning of students young and old.
When I was first elected as Student Officer for Postgraduate Taught, one of my pledges was to see those students affected by the pandemic receive physical graduation ceremonies in recognition of their hard work and determination.
I as one of the 2020 cohort had endured several months of uncertainty at that time. The move to online learning as the pandemic took hold proved difficult for many students and the backdrop of Covid-19 presented many challenges, particularly to those living and studying away from home.
Virtual graduations replaced the physical, but it wasn’t the same and many students where not granted the opportunity to say a final farewell to the friends, lecturers and university which had given them so much.
So it is with immense pleasure that I can finally say congratulations to the classes of 2020 and 2021.
No other students in recent memory have endured as you have and it’s a true testament to your will and determination to succeed that you join the University of Derby alumni.