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There was a celebratory atmosphere around campus and in the city centre as a week of graduation ceremonies kicked off for Â鶹´«Ã½’s Class of ’22.

After facing the unpredictable challenges of two COVID lockdowns and time spent learning both on and off campus during their studies, the graduates at the first ceremony at 2pm yesterday admitted their courses had been a real test of their character – but definitely worth it in the end.

Shireen Shariq said she had a 'wonderful three years' at Â鶹´«Ã½

Acknowledging the support graduates received from Â鶹´«Ã½ academics, staff and family and friends Â鶹´«Ã½ Vice-Chancellor Professor Katie Normington told a packed Curve Theatre in the city’s Cultural Quarter: “Today is made even more special because in completing your qualification, you have had to overcome some of the biggest social challenges of our lifetime. The pandemic really was no small matter.

“To complete a university degree takes dedication, application and, beyond this, the ability to understand advanced concepts. Finishing a degree is a real test for anyone. But the anxiety, uncertainty and change brought about by Covid-19, has meant you have had to show real perseverance to get to this point. 

“I would therefore like to offer my warmest congratulations to you for achieving success at such a demanding time.”

Lucy Riordan, from Peterborough, and Amber Southwood, from Cambridge, collected their LLB in Law and Criminal Justice and currently have jobs with solicitors in their respective towns.

Reflecting on the challenges of two lockdowns, Lucy said: “I feel very proud. It’s a big accomplishment. Yes, it was a challenge, but if you want it badly enough you stick it out and this end result has definitely paid off.”

Aedan Crosswell and Joel Baker both received their LLB in Law

Amber said: “I am so proud and quite emotional. It was a challenge but so worth it after receiving my degree today.”

Shireen Shariq, of Wigston, Leicestershire, was celebrating her BA (Hons) in Advertising and Marketing Communications with three of her friends.

She said: “I feel so good. I had a wonderful time at Â鶹´«Ã½. The three years were amazing. I have a lovely set of friends and I really did have the time of my life. There were obviously challenges along the way but I got through it all.

Shireen uses a motorized wheelchair and added: “Access around the university was really easy and the staff were so helpful and supportive.”

Betsie Hacon and Mayan Ducey both graduated in Business Management and Law, although there was a bit of panic when Mayan had booked the wrong day for her ceremony.

Mayan explained: “I received a text from Betsie saying ‘I can’t wait until we graduate tomorrow’ and I said ‘What do you mean?’.

“I had somehow booked the tickets for my family for the right day but had booked my robe for this Thursday. So, there was a bit of a panic, as you can imagine, but I got it all sorted. I am just happy and proud to get my degree.”

Betsie starts her new job in the contracts department of shipping company Seajacks in Great Yarmouth next Tuesday. She said: “I was nervous this morning but now I am relieved. It has been a real challenge but I am so proud to have got through the three years.”

Aedan Crosswell and Joel Baker both received their LLB in Law, having gone to school together in Norfolk before studying together at Â鶹´«Ã½.

Aedan said: “I am really proud of both of us and happy to be going out into the big wide world. We’ve been inseparable and practically joined at the hip.

“It’s great for my parents to be here to see me get my degree and it has been a great day for everyone. I have a paralegal job in Norwich so hopefully I’ll get the LPC and start as a solicitor.”

Faisal Alumatri is graduating from Â鶹´«Ã½ a year after his wife

Faisal Alumatri, from Oman, was with his wife Moza Alyaarubi and their three children to see him receive his BSc in Human Resource Management.

Moza had graduated the year before from Â鶹´«Ã½ with a degree in Psychology and is currently completing a Master’s here in the same subject.

Faisal said: “It was really tough but I did it – step by step I got there.” Moza, recalling her degree ceremony the year before, said: “It was amazing. It was like flying in the sky. I am so happy and proud for Faisal.”