On Thursday 26 July, 600 students from the School of Biological and Chemical Sciences (SBCS) at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) celebrated their graduation across two ceremonies.
The first ceremony was held for Chemistry, Genetics, Medical Genetics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Zoology, Biochemistry and Biology undergraduates, in addition to Biochemistry, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry postgraduate students.
After standing for the procession, President and Principal of QMUL Colin Bailey gave a welcome address in which he congratulated the students on their achievements and encouraged the students to enjoy the day, “This is your day, enjoy every minute of it”. Principal Bailey wished the students continued success but also reminded them that their futures would be full of successes and challenges and to show resilience in the face of adversity. He drew upon the stories of J.K Rowling, James Dyson and Kelly Holmes to highlight how continued belief in themselves, enabled them to overcome all obstacles. He concluded the welcome address by saying, “You will achieve success because you are a Queen Mary graduate and our doors will always, always be open to you”.
Head of SBCS Richard Pickersgill and Senior Lecturer Steven Le Comber joined Principal Bailey on the stage to being the conferment of degrees to so many delighted graduates, whose hard work will surely lead them to bigger and greater success in their future endeavours across the globe. Queen Mary Students’ Union Vice President of Education Mary Ojo gave the closing address, telling students to remember the support and love of their family and friends.
The second graduation ceremony was held for International Science and Engineering Foundation Programme students, Psychology, Biomedical Sciences and Biological Sciences with Nanchang University undergraduates.
Chief Operating Officer Laura Gibbs delivered the welcome address in this ceremony before an Honorary Award was presented to Dr Stephen Cross for a Fellowship of Queen Mary University of London as a result of his dedication to outreach, public engagement and communication in science.
He noted how a QMUL degree was different from other degrees because of the University’s impact on society, “This University cares. It looks around at the local community and asks ‘how can I help?” He also encouraged the graduates to share the same values as the University after they leave, “If you are taking home a QMUL degree today, be like the University. Don’t just be brilliant, don’t just be excellent, ask how you can help.”
Following the presentation of the degrees, Rakin Choudhury, Queen Mary Students’ Union Vice President of Barts and The London delivered the closing speech before graduates and their families celebrated their special day on a campus that has been home to them for the past years.
We wish all our graduates the best as they take their next steps and look forward to hearing about your future success.