Students celebrate graduation at Lincoln Cathedral

Hundreds of students will celebrate with family, friends and tutors as they receive their academic awards from the University of Lincoln, UK,  in two spectacular graduation ceremonies at Lincoln Cathedral today (Wednesday 20th January).

Around 750 undergraduates and postgraduate students from across the University’s three academic colleges will put on their caps and gowns and collect the degrees, diplomas and doctorates which represent the culmination of years of dedicated work.

Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln, said: “Celebrating the achievements of so many of our students in the unparalleled setting of Lincoln Cathedral is a wonderful way to start 2016. Graduation is a time to recognise the years of hard work and dedication our students have undertaken, and look forward to exciting times ahead. It is a privilege to share the occasion with the friends, family and tutors who have supported our students throughout their courses.”

Among those receiving their doctorates is Farshad Arvin, whose PhD work in Lincoln’s School of Computer Science has helped to advance the field of swarm robotics.

Farshad, who studied previously in Iran and Malaysia, is now employed as a Research Associate at the University of Manchester. He was a key member of a Lincoln research team which developed a low-cost, autonomous micro-robot, called Colias, in collaboration with experts from Tsinghua University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China.

“Before I came to Lincoln, I checked out the School of Computer Science and I found there were several interesting research topics and groups in the field of robotics,” said Farshad. “Apart from studying at the University, I will remember Lincoln for the historic city centre and the peace around the Cathedral in the evening. I would highly recommend the School of Computer Science to any prospective student.”

Also graduating will be Adele Moss, who studied the part-time MSc Human Resource Development programme in Lincoln Business School and will receive the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Developmental Award for Best Student on the course.

She was sponsored for part of her studies by her employer, the Lincolnshire Co-op. Adele, a part-time mature student, said: “The biggest achievement was the realisation that I could still learn and further develop my skills. The lecturers and tutors were all tremendously supportive.”

Nurses who have completed Lincoln’s BSc (Hons) Nursing or BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing degree, many of them already working in hospitals and other healthcare settings in the region, will also receive their degree certificates.

Chris Penney will receive an Honorary Fellowship of the University of Lincoln for his contribution to supporting primary and secondary education in Lincolnshire over two decades. Chris served as a member of the Governing Body at University Academy Holbeach and its predecessor George Farmer School from 1992 until his retirement in 2015.

The University of Lincoln’s latest graduation ceremonies will take place at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday 20th January 2016, starting at 10.30am and 2.30pm.