The University of Bedfordshire’s class of 2022 celebrated their graduation on Friday 22 July in the first civic ceremony since 2019.
Students from the faculty of education, English and sport took part in a procession to the Corn Exchange where the ceremony was held. They were joined by local dignitaries, family, friends, and university staff.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Rebecca Bunting, told students, “Graduation is not just a ceremony – it’s a turning point in your lives.”
She said it was a time for students to “look back on all your hard work, the amazing experiences you’ve had, the friendships you have made.”
She added they should, “reflect on the challenges you have faced and how you have overcome them.”
An honorary Doctor of Business Administration was presented to Bedford Council’s Chief Executive Laura Church.
Laura received recognition for outstanding services to community infrastructure and local government.
She described receiving the doctorate as a “great honour and privilege” adding: “Whilst this award is for me personally, it isn’t just my award – it’s a really important recognition of the importance of public service, and particularly the role of local authorities in providing that link between communities and business.”
Joining the ceremony, as guest of honour, was Bedford raised chairman of the English National Opera and London Coliseum, Dr. Harry Brunjes.
He described the University as “a wonderful place, constantly challenging, humane, dynamic and diverse”. He urged students to cherish their time there saying the spirit of the university would “sustain” them. He said: “remain young in spirit, always curious, energetic and innovative.”
The university’s chair of the board of governors, Simon Yun-Farmbrough, delivered the president speech. He noted the challenges studying “against the backdrop of the pandemic” had brought.
He praised students, saying: “Through the triumphs – and the setbacks – you have shown exceptional determination and resilience and have made your families and the staff of the University very proud.”
