Three years in the making 11 000 students to graduate this summer at UEA
By: Communications
The long wait will soon be over for nearly 11,000 University of East Anglia (UEA) students when they don their mortarboards, adorn their gowns and return to UEA campus to celebrate their hard work and resilience in this month’s highly anticipated graduation ceremonies.
Over a two-week period (Thursday 14 - Tuesday 26 July), UEA will welcome three cohorts of students – the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022 – to graduate on campus at Sportspark, which will hold 26 separate ceremonies, three a day, across the two weeks.
The graduation celebration will be the biggest in UEA’s history, and the first held at the University since 2019, with the ceremonies postponed in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All three of the graduating cohorts have battled through the variety of unique challenges brought about by the pandemic to complete their studies, whether working remotely, having to isolate, or not being able to experience a normal student life socially, meaning that for many these ceremonies will be particularly sentimental.
Post-ceremony celebrations with family and friends will be hosted in the outdoor area of the Sportspark, renamed the festival area during the celebrations, which will offer live music provided by two local bands, The City Folk, and The Nashville Heat, and a wide variety of food and drink from local caterers.
Every student has their own story of the challenges they have faced and overcome – and here are just a couple.
The returning graduate making waves in Parliament
Despite the restrictions of the pandemic, Cynthia Muthoni put her time at UEA, studying a Master’s degree in Climate Change and International Development, to good use. After receiving 88,000 signatures for her petition to introduce greater diversity in the national curriculum, Cynthia presented this motion to MPs at Parliament, and was subsequently awarded the Your UK Parliament Award, in a category in which footballer Marcus Rashford was also nominated for his petition to end child food poverty.
Cynthia said: “The University couldn’t have been more supportive of me. After I was granted the opportunity to speak at Parliament, I spoke to my academic advisor who put me in contact with UEA’s media team, and academics who were researching anti-racism within educational environments.
“Even Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Richardson, consulted me on how the University itself could become more inclusive and embed more anti-racism throughout the curriculums.”
Like many postgraduate students, Cynthia Muthoni was unable to attend in-person lectures or seminar for the duration of degree. To combat this, lecturers introduced collaborative work throughout modules, enabling students to chat to one another on camera and slowly build a sense of familiarity with the rest of their cohort.
Cynthia said: “At a time when everyone was feeling disconnected, this was a great way for us to make friends and motivate one another throughout our degrees.
“I also had lecturers check in on me constantly, asking how I was finding my university work and if I was coping. Equally, when I felt slightly overwhelmed due to juggling a job, university and my general life, the student services team were absolutely stellar.”
Since leaving UEA in 2021, Cynthia has put her master’s degree to good use, having recently started as Eco Leader with the Good Shopping Guide. Her role involves investigating environmental, animal welfare and human rights policies within companies and recommending them for accreditation based on the findings.
Speaking on returning to UEA for her upcoming graduation in July, Cynthia said: ‘I am beyond excited to be able to graduate.’
The current student supporting pandemic wellbeing
University can be a testing time for most young people, particularly during a global pandemic, but fifth year medical student, Victoria (Tory) Selwyn, used her time at university to help her fellow students, advocating for improved mental health literacy amongst young people.
Tory, who founded Headucate UK, a student-led society which promotes mental health awareness, tackles stigma and combats discrimination, was recently recognised for her positive contribution to society with The Diana Award, a national accolade which recognises young people for their social action or humanitarian work.
During the pandemic, Tory worked tirelessly to continue supporting students and led the Headucate team in developing innovative online interactive webinars, reaching over 1,000 students throughout the academic year, as well as leading several outreach and fundraising projects and events. Tory raised over £3,500 for 11 different mental health and wellbeing-related charities in 2020 alone.
Tory said: “I’ve had the most wonderful five years in Norwich Medical School at UEA, and through working with Headucate UEA I’ve had the opportunity to grow as a person and as a leader whilst also making a difference in the local community.
“University and medical school staff have supported and encouraged my work alongside Headucate - I've enjoyed collaborating with lecturers, other students and student groups and the local and wider community with likeminded aims.”
Tory will be graduating this July and is due to take up her first job as a junior doctor.
Reflecting on her time at UEA, Tory said: “All the personal and professional skills I’ve learnt have prepared me for my first job as a junior doctor, I've definitely grown as a person and UEA will always hold a special place in my heart!”
Vice-Chancellor Professor David Richardson said: “After what has felt like the longest wait, I am delighted to welcome three cohorts of students back to our campus this July, in the largest graduation ever to be held at UEA.
“To say it’s been a testing few years for these students would be an understatement, and I can’t praise them enough for all for their hard work and resilience in coming through a momentous challenge. Getting to congratulate our brilliant graduating students is one of the best things about being Vice-Chancellor of a University, and this year is three times as special.
“I can’t wait to see our students return to campus over the next few weeks and celebrate with them, their families and loved ones.”
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