Wonderful week of Bicentenary year graduation ceremonies

Nearly 5,000 students and 65 members of staff officially graduated this week across 14 joyous ceremonies at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral.

The graduates will go down in LJMU history, picking up their accolades in the university’s 200^th year.

Students from LJMU’s five faculties and 19 schools crossed the stage to rapturous applause as their friends and families filled the cathedral across five days of amazing celebrations.

Speaking to the Class of 2023 graduates, Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Power said: “This is genuinely one of life’s big moments and being in the presence of your friends and families who are here to celebrate with you makes this such a special occasion.”

Acknowledging this year's 200^th anniversary of the university, he added: “As graduates, you are now part of that continuing story. You are following in the footsteps of those generations that have gone before you – and most importantly as a graduate, you are part of a connected community of historical purpose.”

Overseeing her second year of graduation ceremonies since her installation as Chancellor, Nisha Katona MBE said: “It’s been my privilege to stand here today with our Vice-Chancellor and Pro-Vice-Chancellor to celebrate your achievements – and what achievements. What you have demonstrated is absolute dedication, humble sacrifice, and mature motivation – and these are skills that I think mean the world becomes an exciting place full of endless possibilities.”

51 years of graduation music

The summer graduation ceremonies were once again accompanied by magnificent music from Professor Ian Tracey, one of Britain's best known and respected musicians.

He is a Professor, Fellow, and organist at LJMU and has been the organist at Liverpool Cathedral since 1980. He has played the music for graduation ceremonies for 51 years.

Professor Tracey’s story has been shared as part of a Bicentenary year project telling the stories of 200 people connected to the university’s past and present.

Summer graduation stories

On Monday Karolyna and Freya, the first students to graduate from the pioneering Climate Change degree programme, celebrated gaining their unique qualifications

Maryam received her PhD on Tuesday, and hopes to improve the education system in Pakistan after her own battle for an education has inspired her to help other women and girls from her home country.

On Wednesday, engineering students picked up industry awards straight after their graduation ceremony, with many of the new graduates set to join the construction and property companies in full-time work now they have completed their studies.

Sociology graduate Grace reflected on three incredible years with LJMU at her graduation on Thursday. During her studies she also volunteered with a national mentoring and education charity, for which she won ‘best volunteer’ and also travelled to Nepal as part of a research collaboration addressing menstrual hygiene and awareness.

On Friday, healthcare graduates across nursing, midwifery, psychology, public health and paramedic science were delighted to receive their honours just a week after the NHS celebrated its 75^th birthday.