[C]arlisle city centre will be dressed with bunting to reflect the happy celebrations of more than 1,000 University of Cumbria students as they receive their awards and degrees in the cathedral next week.
The atmosphere of festivity will be further enhanced by the presence of the students’ families and friends, many of whom travel from across the UK and even from overseas to witness with pride this special occasion. And Carlisle’s retailers and restaurants are also contributing to the celebration, providing discounts and special offers to the visitors to help them enjoy their visit to the city.
The students’ achievements cover a wide range of subjects, including teaching, nursing and other healthcare programmes, business and humanities, as well as creative arts courses from the Institute of the Arts, and the ceremonies offer an opportunity to enjoy academic success in the presence of those who have given support throughout years of study.
There will be three ceremonies on both Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 November, and two ceremonies on 24 November. Each occasion will see a formal procession make its way into Carlisle Cathedral with staff and graduates in academic robes. Celebratory receptions will take place at the Crown & Mitre Hotel immediately after each ceremony.
As well as its students, the university will honour two honorary fellows, nominated in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the university and a variety of causes linked to the work of the university.
On Thursday 23 November at 10.00am, Paul Bell will be honoured in recognition of his lifelong and outstanding contribution to excellence in the world of squash coaching. And then, on Friday 24 November at 12.00 noon, Professor Emeritus Margaret Harrison will be awarded an honorary fellowship to recognise her lifelong and outstanding contribution to the contemporary art movement, particularly feminist production.
