Celebrating Degree Success as Class of 2016 Graduate

The Class of 2016 will celebrate the culmination of their degree studies alongside family, friends and some distinguished guests when the University of Lincoln, UK, hosts its graduation ceremonies at Lincoln Cathedral next week.

Over the course of four days from Monday 5th – Thursday 8th September 2016, the University will present academic awards to more than 3,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students from across all of its academic Colleges.

The students will receive their degree certificates in the company of a number of high profile Honorary Graduates, who have each been recognised by the University of Lincoln for the outstanding contribution they have made to their respective fields. World-renowned politician and campaigner Ela Gandhi – the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi – will be among the University’s guests this year, becoming an Honorary Doctor of Laws.

Other figures receiving Honorary degrees this year are Juergen Maier, Chief Executive of Siemens in the UK, acclaimed film and television producer Tony Garnett, and Professor Efim Zelmanov, an eminent mathematician who has won the coveted Fields Medal – often referred to as ‘the Nobel Prize of mathematics’. Celebrated poet Professor James Fenton, Queen’s Nurse Candice Pellett, and Maureen Kavanagh – a campaigner who has been influential in helping people affected by major disasters, will also become Honorary Graduates at this year’s ceremonies.

Some of the University’s exceptional academic staff will be recognised for their contribution to students’ successes through the Vice Chancellor’s Teaching Award. This year’s recipients include Dr Nicola Crewe from the University’s School of Life Sciences, Dr Roger Bretherton from the School of Psychology, Dr Helen Smith from the School of History & Heritage, and Hanya Pielichaty from Lincoln International Business School.

Professor Mary Stuart, Vice Chancellor for the University of Lincoln, said: “Each year, our graduation ceremonies represent a real highlight of our academic calendar. They allow the whole University community to applaud the many successes of our students and staff, and to wish our new graduates well as they take their next steps. We are immensely proud of what our students achieve and welcome this opportunity to celebrate with them, their friends and their families, who provide such valuable support throughout their studies.

“It is a privilege to have our Honorary Graduates join us for this wonderful occasion, as their work provides inspiration to us all. We also recognise the enormous contribution our academic staff make to the future success of our students by honouring just some of the great teaching that takes place across the University.”

Among the undergraduate students collecting their degrees this September is Joshua Irving, who is already pursuing a promising career with BAE Systems. Joshua, who graduates with a First Class Honours degree in Business and Finance and collects the award for Best Student in Finance from Lincoln International Business School, secured a coveted place on the BAE Systems Finance Leader Development Programme. His new role, located in Glasgow, is part of a five-year graduate scheme designed for individuals with the potential and determination to make a real difference in senior finance roles.

At Lincoln Joshua has excelled inside and outside the classroom, completing the Lincoln Award, a scheme designed to support, enhance and recognise extra-curricular activity among students. He was also a key team member in the University’s Rowing Club and while at university was selected to take part in trials for the Great British rowing team.

Joshua, who is originally from Bury St Edmunds, said: “At University there are so many things to do and being able to find the right balance was key to my success. For me the memory of opening my results to find I’d be graduating with a First will always stay with me. It really cemented my belief that my time at the University of Lincoln was well spent and that I had made the most out of a fantastic experience.”

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