Over 1800 students graduate and six new Fellows are welcomed
Graduates from around the world celebrated their successes in the virtual Autumn graduation ceremonies, and a number have shared their personal stories in a series of inspiring blogs.
Over 1800 students, predominately undergraduate students, graduated this week, with nine graduation ceremonies taking place over three days, from Monday 1 to Wednesday 3 November. In line with government advice on limiting public gatherings at the current time, the graduation ceremonies were hosted virtually and streamed live on YouTube.
Keeping to the spirit of an in-person graduation, graduating students were addressed and congratulated by Professor David Latchman CBE, Vice-Chancellor; Baroness Joan Bakewell, President; Professor Joanna Bourke, College Orator; academic staff; alumni; and six new Fellows of the College.
The new Fellows are:
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Jude Kelly, Founder and CEO of The WOW Foundation
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Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, barrister, broadcaster and Labour member of the House of Lords
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Cllr David Simmonds CBE, Conservative MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner
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Professor Alex Poulovassilis, Professor of Computer Science at Birkbeck
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Chris Skidmore, Conservative MP for Kingswood
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Professor Judith Butler, Maxine Elliot Professor of Comparative Literature at the University of California, Berkeley.
Professor Latchman commented: “It was a real joy to celebrate all of our students’ astounding achievements this week, seeing them achieve their aims despite very difficult circumstances. We wish our graduates every success in their future endeavours and encourage them to keep in touch with the College by becoming an active member of our alumni community. This year, we have been celebrating and showcasing the incredible impact that members of our community are having around the world. I encourage you to visit the #OurBirkbeck website to read the stories from our alumni and friends, and find out more about how you can get involved.”
This week has seen a number of this year’s graduates share their personal stories in a series of blogs and videos. Alba DeCarlo shared her story about achieving a BSc Business degree and changing careers from a coffee shop manager to a Finance and Administrator lead for NBC Universal. Nick Townsend is launching a teaching career at 59, having graduated this week with a BA in History. Alin Dinçman, BSc Computing graduate, joined Birkbeck through Clearing and coming from Turkey she found studying in London really broadened her horizons. Graduate Nikesha Morris achieved a BA Psychosocial Studies and Principles of Psychodynamic Counselling degree and her #BBKstory sets an example on how to overcome life’s obstacles. Anna Green tells her story of her struggles with mental health growing up and how Birkbeck’s Disability Service was instrumental in her achieving a First-Class Honours in BSc Psychology.
Follow Birkbeck on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, for the latest updates on graduates’ stories.