Across the United Kingdom, this year’s university commencement ceremonies were filled with colour, pride, and a deep sense of renewal. From London to Glasgow, thousands of graduates walked across stages to receive their degrees, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. These ceremonies were more than formalities; they were powerful reminders of resilience, community, and the global nature of education in today’s world.
At the University of London, the Barbican Centre came alive with music and applause as over 1,200 graduates from more than ninety countries gathered to celebrate their achievements. Princess Anne, the university’s Chancellor, presided over the event, personally presenting awards and congratulating students. The ceremony highlighted not only the academic excellence of the graduates but also the university’s growing international presence. With performances from students of the Royal Academy of Music, the atmosphere blended grandeur with warmth, reflecting the diversity and unity of the institution’s global community.
Further north, Buckinghamshire New University held its largest-ever series of graduation ceremonies, spreading across five days and celebrating over two thousand graduates. Each school—from nursing and aviation to creative arts and law—had its own valedictorian, with heartfelt speeches about perseverance, curiosity, and courage. The university also awarded honorary doctorates to individuals who have made significant contributions in fields as varied as entrepreneurship, media, and public service. The message throughout was clear: success isn’t just about earning a degree, but about using one’s education to lead and to serve.
In Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University celebrated its graduates at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, transforming the venue into a space of joy and reflection. The university honoured Nick Hartshorne-Evans, founder of the Pumping Marvellous Foundation, and Maggie Smart, a fashion entrepreneur and alumna, for their outstanding achievements. Their stories resonated deeply with students, illustrating how education can be a springboard for innovation, compassion, and social impact. The ceremony’s tone was both formal and celebratory, underscoring the university’s commitment to shaping graduates who combine professional skill with purpose.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Newman University hosted its Class of 2025 graduation at Symphony Hall, filling the venue with excitement and emotion. The speeches focused on transformation—how education not only changes what students know, but who they become. Honorary awards were presented to individuals whose lives exemplify leadership and service, echoing the university’s values of inclusion and social justice. The Vice-Chancellor’s closing words captured the spirit of the day: graduation, he said, is not an ending, but a moment of becoming—a time when the promise of education turns into the reality of contribution.
Across all these celebrations, several themes emerged. This year’s UK commencements were more global, more inclusive, and more student-centered than ever before. The focus extended beyond academic accomplishment to personal growth, community engagement, and the courage to make a difference. Universities sought to make each ceremony not just a formality, but an experience—complete with music, storytelling, and moments of collective pride.
What stood out most, however, was the sense of shared humanity. Whether it was a first-generation student receiving a degree, a family cheering from the balcony, or a professor watching a class move into the world, each ceremony was a testament to the enduring power of education. In every smile, speech, and cap tossed into the air, there was a reminder that universities are not only places of learning, but places where dreams take shape and futures begin.
