University of Bradford students celebrate graduation
The University of Bradford winter graduation ceremonies have taken place, with over 2,100 students receiving their awards. This includes students who completed their course in 2020 and 2021 who - unable to attend a ceremony due to the pandemic - finally got the chance to celebrate their achievements with family, friends, classmates and lecturers.
With ceremonies taking place over three days, the campus was filled with proud parents and extended families, some of whom travelled from overseas specially for the occasion.
The grandmother of Accounting and Finance graduate Harisa Kauser was one such traveller, coming from Pakistan to join the celebration. Harisa’s ceremony was the first in the family, so it was worth the journey for her proud grandma.
Harisa said: “My degree was quite challenging at times, as I was a bit shy when I first came to university, but being here has really helped that.
“The best thing has being able to make my family really proud.”
Another family who made the journey from overseas was that of Savannah Hatch, 25, who flew from Newfoundland, Canada to show their support and celebrate her award.
Savannah graduated with a Masters in Human Osteology and Paleopathology - the study of archaeological human remains and how they were buried, and came all the way from Canada on her own especially to study on that specific programme. She said: “I’m used to small communities, so coming to Bradford on my own was a shock, but I have loved my time here.
“I have an undergraduate degree in history and archaeology, and I fell in love with studying ancient diseases. The University of Bradford is the only place that offers this course, so I came here!”
University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shirley Congdon said: “I am in awe of the determination, adaptability, and sheer hard work of these graduates. To have undertaken their degrees during a global pandemic with the uncertainty, disruption and fear is testament to their passion and self -belief.”