Graduation ceremonies may be postponed, but we’re still celebrating! 

Just under 1,800 students who have shown “outstanding resilience” over the past year are celebrating today after officially receiving their degrees from University College Birmingham. 

And while the traditional physical graduation ceremonies have been postponed until next March because of Covid-19, that didn’t stop the festivities getting underway across social media, with teaching staff rallying to congratulate the Class of 2020 through touching video messages. 

Lecturer Steve Underhill, who teaches on the Specialist Hair and Media Make-up degree, said: “Just a quick congratulations message to all those students graduating from UCB this year. It hasn’t been an easy ride, but you guys have just proven what you are made of. So, onwards and upwards and go and smash whatever it is you go on to do.” 

Lecturer Dr Olga Kampaxi, who teaches hospitality modules in the College of Food, said: “You made it. You persevered and you created your own personal success. You are absolutely the best, and you can be and you are part of the UCB Alumni Society.” 

A total of 1,791 students graduated with foundation, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as certificates of higher education, today, receiving their official academic transcripts by post and email this morning. 

Many of these degrees are accredited by the University of Birmingham. 

Alice Wilby, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Access, Participation and Student Experience at the University, said: “Congratulations to all of our students who are graduating today. We are all incredibly proud of them. They have demonstrated high levels of academic and technical skills in their chosen field. 

“Perhaps even more importantly, they have demonstrated outstanding resilience and persistence in achieving their qualification in challenging circumstances. 

“We encourage our graduates to stay in touch, to let us know how their careers progress and to ask us if they need any support over the coming months and years. We can’t wait to hear about all of the amazing things they will go on to do and we hope to celebrate in person in the not too distant future.” 

Find out more about graduation at University College Birmingham and check out our #classof2020 Instagram stories. We will also be celebrating on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.