Upcoming ceremonies will take place over two weeks with post-event celebrations on the new University Square
Thousands of students are returning to the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) for their long-awaited graduation ceremonies.
Graduates from the classes of summer 2020, winter 2020 and summer 2021 will don their academic caps and gowns at 26 ceremonies taking place between 6 and 17 September.
As in recent years, the graduates will take to the stage in the Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre, on the Preston Campus, but the post-event celebrations with family and friends will take place on the new multi-million pound University Square.
To ensure the everyone’s safety during the prestigious degree and award ceremonies, the University is asking all attendees to wear face coverings and is advising the 6,500 graduates, their visitors and staff members to take a lateral flow test beforehand.
To ensure family and friends around the world can watch the celebratory ceremonies, live streaming will once again be available on the University’s YouTube channel.
"I’m absolutely delighted we’re able to give thousands of our students the opportunity to proudly wear their academic caps and gowns so they graduate in person."
— Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin
Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said: “I’m absolutely delighted we’re able to give thousands of our students the opportunity to proudly wear their academic caps and gowns so they graduate in person.
“I know the past 18 months have been very difficult for everyone but I’m so proud of the resilience these outstanding graduates have shown. They adapted quickly to online learning and started their careers in the middle of a global pandemic.
“I can’t wait to welcome them and their families back to our Preston Campus for their special day and hope they enjoy the post-event celebrations on our impressive new University Square.”
Three people with strong links to the University will all take to the stage to accept prestigious Honorary Doctorates or Fellowships.
"I know the past 18 months have been very difficult for everyone but I’m so proud of the resilience these outstanding graduates have shown. They adapted quickly to online learning and started their careers in the middle of a global pandemic."
— Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin
Honorary Doctorates will be conferred to Mike Tynan and Professor Klaus Leisinger while Sarah Carr OBE will receive an Honorary Fellowship.
Mike Tynan is an experienced leader in the civil nuclear sector with a career spanning 40 years. He will receive his award to acknowledge the significant contribution he has made to the Higher Education sector, particularly through his support and guidance on a number of University projects, most notably the Engineering Innovation Centre and the development of nuclear education.
Professor Klaus Leisinger will receive his award to acknowledge the significant contribution he has made to the Higher Education sector, particularly through his co-development on the Global Code Of Conduct for Research in Resource-Poor Settings, and his support of the TRUST project, co-ordinated by UCLan’s Professor Schroeder.
Sarah Carr will receive her award to acknowledge the significant contribution she has made to early years’ education and childcare.