Five days of ceremonies begins for University of Cumbria students

The Most Revd and Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, who will be inaugurated as Chancellor of the University of Cumbria at a special ceremony in Carlisle Cathedral on Wednesday

Five days of ceremonies have started, celebrating the academic achievements, resilience and determination of 2,700 University of Cumbria graduands.

Seventeen ceremonies are taking place within the city’s Historic Quarter. Four each per day from Monday-Thursday, before the final ceremony brings celebrations to a close on Friday.

The ceremonies fulfil a promise that Vice-Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell made to University of Cumbria Alumni Association members from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 that they would get the opportunity to enjoy a full graduation experience, coming together when pandemic guidance could allow for such large-scale events to take place safely.

Three ceremonies will include the following special events:

Monday, April 25

Granted Research Degree Awarding Powers in 2019, the University of Cumbria awarded its first PhDs in 2020. Today, the milestone is marked ceremonially when one of these successful PhD students will collect their scroll in person.

Wednesday, April 27

The inauguration of the University of Cumbria Chancellor, The Most Revd & Rt Hon Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, takes place on Wednesday afternoon.

Ahead of the ceremony, Archbishop Stephen, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the University of Cumbria for my first ceremonies as chancellor, conferring academic awards on these graduands – the Classes of 2020 and 2021 – who have demonstrated success, determination and resilience.

“We see in them how education can transform lives and opportunity and we celebrate the important role the university is playing in raising aspirations and enabling skills to be learnt and updated, helping the region and beyond to prosper and flourish.”

Friday, April 29

West Cumbrian teacher Kerryann Wilson will receive the Alumnus of the Year award during Friday morning’s closing ceremony. The award recognises the exceptional achievements of a graduate.

Kerryann has worked at Energy Coast UTC since 2015 where she is now the Vice-Principal. Described as a dedicated, inspirational, remarkable teacher, Kerry Ann was a gold award winner at the Pearson National Teaching Award for Teacher of the Year in a Secondary School (September 2020).

Vice-Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell said: “This week finally gives us the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of those who have waited patiently for their day. We are proud of every one of them. As well as their academic success, they have demonstrated their determination, commitment and resilience and now many are working in their chosen fields or taking part in further training and study, with a firm focus on transforming their lives and those within their communities.

“We’re also thrilled that we’ve been able to work once again with partners such as Carlisle Cathedral, Tullie House and the Crown & Mitre Hotel to ensure the stage is set for these graduands to enjoy the day and recognition they truly deserve.”