Graduation week kicks off at the University of Suffolk this weekend, with thousands of students set to receive their degrees across a week of ceremonies.
University of Suffolk students based at East Coast College receive their degrees in a ceremony at Great Yarmouth Minister today, with ceremonies at Ipswich Waterfront beginning on Saturday morning.
This year, more than 5,300 students will be conferred degrees across ceremonies from Saturday to Wednesday evening in a specially-erected marquee on the Waterfront, where they will be joined by family, friends and staff to celebrate their achievements.
The ceremonies will award degrees to students based at the University and its partners, including London School of Commerce, UNICAF, UNITAS, Suffolk New College, Hanbridge Institute, LD Training and a number of teacher training partners. In addition, five honorary degrees will also be awarded across the week.
Boshor Ali, founder member and subsequent chair of BSC Multicultural Services, previously known as the Bangladeshi Support Centre, will be recognised for his 25 years addressing poverty, exclusion and health inequalities on Saturday afternoon.
He will be followed by Sir Diarmaid MacCulloch, a prize-winning author and historian whose work includes books on topics such as Christianity and Thomas Cromwell, on Saturday evening.
On Monday, Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE will be recognised for his work which includes chairing organisations such as Healthwatch England, Dementia UK and the Royal College of Physicians.
Ipswich Town Football Club manager Kieran McKenna will be honoured on Monday evening for securing back-to-back promotions for the club over the previous two seasons from League One to the Premier League.
Former Olympic athlete Michael Read OBE will conclude the honorary degrees this year, with his honour acknowledging his 33 Channel swims and support for the last 22 years for the restoration of Broomhill Lido in Ipswich.
Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk said: “Graduation week is always an extremely important time for us to celebrate the fantastic achievements or our graduands as they commence the next steps of their career or further study.
“Joining them will be their individual ‘support crews’ of family and friends, as well as the University staff who have made this journey possible, together creating a truly special atmosphere on the Waterfront.
“We send our warmest congratulations to everyone graduating this week; look forward to seeing their successful progression and to keeping in touch.”