A moment of triumph: nearly 900 undergraduates celebrate success at winter graduations

The ceremony featured speeches from Professor Sally Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of Birkbeck; Baroness Joan Bakewell, President of Birkbeck; Joanna MacGregor, internationally acclaimed musician and Birkbeck alumna; and Melanie Eusebe, Director at Google and diversity advocate.  

Several graduates shared their inspiring stories via interviews, showcasing how Birkbeck transformed their lives. Among them were Samuele, who balanced retail work while studying BA Archaeology and now works as a post excavation assistant; Cait, a BA Psychosocial Studies graduate, who thrived in Birkbeck's supportive environment; and Daniel, a BA Film and Media graduate, whose passion for film and media was nurtured through Birkbeck’s flexible evening classes and industry connections. 

Lydia, a BSc Marketing graduate, balanced her studies and a business venture, developing an app for amputees as part of Birkbeck’s Pioneer Programme. Humera, a mother of three and international student, graduated with a first-class degree in BSc Psychology in Practice and now works for the NHS. 

Professor Sally Wheeler, commented: “I want to offer my warm congratulations to all graduates. Your dedication to your studies and personal development is commendable. I’m incredibly proud of you and wish you all the best as you become part of our global alumni community.” 

Birkbeck also honoured several distinguished individuals through the award of Fellowships, which recognise exceptional contributions to the university or significant achievements in their respective fields. 

The ceremony also recognised as Fellows: Anthony Bale, Professor of Medieval and Renaissance English at Cambridge; Professor Joanna Bourke, historian and author; Gillian Broadley, former governor and Chair of Birkbeck’s Finance and General Purposes Committee; and Professor Stephen Frosh, distinguished scholar in psychosocial studies; Keith Harrison, former College Secretary and Clerk to the Governors at Birkbeck; Michael Mainelli, Alderman Professor and 695th Lord Mayor of the City of London; and Professor Laura Mulvey, pioneering feminist film theorist and Professor of Media Studies at Birkbeck.