The Westminster Business School graduation events took place on Monday 19 November. I felt privileged to be there and to welcome the graduands, their families, friends and supporters. Graduation vents are always very special. They have developed from mediaeval times and indicate a rite of passage and entrance into a professional community. The traditional start of graduation with a procession of academics and dignitaries makes for a colourful spectacle as colourful gowns and strangely shaped hats come together as the procession winds its way to the stage to the sounds of Westminster Brass – a wonderful band who provided uplifting music at the beginning and end of each ceremony. It is wonderful to see students listen to their names being called out and then walk across the stage to shake the hands of the Vice Chancellor or Pro Vice Chancellor. Looks on their faces vary from delight, joy, terror (will I trip up?), relief (I have got there and achieved my degree), to thanks and waves to families and friends. It is a joy to see and also hear the applause, whoops and calls which support the graduands as they pass across the stage and become graduates. For academic staff, it is a pleasure to see their students to succeed and to move into employment and, for some, further studies.
Congratulations to all of our graduates – you can now go out into the world with a up-to-date specialist knowledge, technical skills, and a professional approach which will stand you in good stead in your future careers.
On the 21 November we are celebrating the opening of the re-developed Marylebone site and we hope students and staff will attend this event which starts at 4pm. The building looks superb and it was well worth the wait to obtain such world class premises. I hope to be able to meet many of you there.
