University begins its biggest ever summer graduation

Aston University is welcoming nearly 4,500 graduating students who will be awarded their degrees in ceremonies starting from this week to Thursday 25 July.

A total of 24 graduation ceremonies will be held over eight days, with students officially processing in front of the University’s Chancellor, Dr Jason Wouhra, its vice-chancellor and chief executive, Professor Aleks Subic, and pro-chancellor, Dr Matthew Crummack.

The University expects to host over 13,000 guests in total over the graduation period, including families, friends and other supporters of its graduating students. The ceremonies are being held at the Eastside Rooms hotel and conference centre adjacent to its main campus in Birmingham with celebrations taking place at Aston’s campus.

Aston University will also be awarding honorary doctoral degrees to public figures and individuals who have distinguished themselves in a particular field or profession, or who have given meritorious service to the University.

This year’s recipients of honorary doctorates are Dame Yve Buckland, Matthew Hammond, the Rt Revd Anne Hollinghurst, Mike Hopkins, Richard Kirby, Lubna Shuja and Jo Williams.

Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Aston University, said: “Graduation day is an important milestone in the life of every one of our students and we are delighted to welcome them and their families to these joyous ceremonies.

“Not only is it a time to look back on the achievements and experiences gained over the course of their studies, but also an occasion to look forward to the wealth of opportunity that lies before them.

“On graduating, our students become part of a thriving community of over 100,000 Aston University alumni who live and work across the globe.

“We also offer our graduates career support for life via an exclusive online platform ‘Aston For Life’, through which they can access a unique portfolio of personal and professional development, networking opportunities and insights that are beneficial for work and life.”