Blue Sky and Sun for Winter Graduation 2022

Crowds enjoyed blue skies and a buoyant mood at Liverpool Hope University’s Winter Graduation 2022 this week.   

The ceremonies took place at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral - at a later date than normal with the event delayed because of the global pandemic. 

But that rescheduling resulted in mood-lifting Spring weather, as students, friends and family flocked to see their loved ones graduate from Hope in the sunshine. 

Guests received a warm welcome from Canon Anthony O’Brien, Dean of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. 

PhD, Master’s and Undergraduate students donned their gowns to receive their awards from the senior team at Hope, including Chancellor Professor Monica Grady and Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerald Pillay. 

And there were also Honorary Doctorates for two highly-respected individuals who have made a significant contribution to their specific field while also upholding the missions and values of the University. 

Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald, an expert in interreligious relations, was made a Doctor of Divinity, honoris causa, while Dr Rita Gardner, a passionate geographer and now Chief Executive of the Academic of Social Sciences, received a Doctor of Science, honoris causa. 

During her address to the graduates, Dr Gardner encouraged students to never shy away from seizing their chances in life, urging them to have the ‘courage to take the opportunity when it arrives’, and adding: “Be confident, be bold, be honest to yourselves. Life is an extraordinary journey.”

Speaking to the congregation, Professor Kenneth Newport, meanwhile, congratulated graduates on their dedication and commitment to complete their studies. 

He added: “In the end, as a university, we are concerned that you go on to make a difference for good in the world. That requires hard work and courage. In a sense, today is not the end, but a beginning of something important - even if we do not see clearly what that may be at this stage. We wish you well. Go out as ambassadors of Hope!”

VIEW A GALLERY OF IMAGES FROM WINTER GRADUATION 2022. 

** During the day, many graduates talked about how much they’d enjoyed their time at Hope - while they also revealed exciting career plans. 

International student Chandrabhal Mahadeo, 22, arrived in Merseyside from his native Mauritius and studied Business Management and Sport & Physical Education. 

Chandrabhal says: “I don’t really know how to sum up my time at Hope, but it was the greatest experience I could have ever possibly had. It was beyond imagination. 

“There’s something about the city and the people in Liverpool that is really special.”

He’s already landed an internship with government organisation the Mauritius Sports Council but ultimately plans to study for a Master’s degree in Sport Management and dreams of opening his own gym.

Student Joel Smith, 22, praised the ‘home from home’ atmosphere he felt at Hope while being immersed in the University’s community of Irish students. 

County Tyrone native Joel, who studied Sports and PE combined with Childhood and Youth and who also played for Hope’s rugby team, says: “I loved it here. I’m missing it already.”

Rhiannon Terry, 21, is already using her academic skills to help vulnerable people in society, having landed a role working with autistic children. 

Rhiannon, a Psychology graduate from Liverpool, is now working for national charity Autism Initiatives, as an Activity Engagement Lead. 

She explains: “It’s about getting the children engaged in the community, so we take them on exciting hill walks, we might take them to sensory rooms, and they even play mini golf. 

“And I’m really excited about working for such an amazing charity.”

Another Psychology graduate is Zoe Baker, a 22-year-old from Manchester. 

During her time at Hope she devoted her dissertation to the study of autism, and has now found herself employed as a Teaching Assistant at a special needs school for autistic youngsters in Manchester. 

There’s also a personal reason behind her professional drive. 

She explains: “I have two nephews that are autistic, which is what has led me to be so interested in this area of study and employment. The plan is to continue working hard and then to hopefully complete a Master’s degree further down the line.”

Mature student Danielle Foster, 32, returned to higher education later in life as a mum of four and who also juggled full time employment at the same time. 

She says it was often tough to balance the workload - but ultimately rewarding and she’s proud to have graduated with a degree in Education and English Literature, and then to have completed a PGCE. 

Danielle, from Bury, Greater Manchester, was previously a manager at an insolvency company - but she’s now a secondary school teacher, in what has been a remarkable career change. 

She says: “For me, I had to wait for the right time to make a change. I happened to see an advert online for degrees at Holy Cross College in Bury, which is part of the Network of Hope, and the rest is history. 

“I worked in the day and studied in the evening - tough going when you’ve got four kids. It’s been a crazy couple of years but well worth it.”

Shannon Benson, 24, came to Hope from Belfast to study Tourism Management. 

And she’s pleased to now find herself employed as a civil servant back in her home city. 

Shannon explains: “I’d definitely recommend Hope to other students. There are obviously a lot of people from Northern Ireland here, but it’s also a really diverse university where you get to meet people from all sorts of backgrounds.”

Meanwhile Jessica Hagan, 22, is determined to use her Social Work degree to help those less fortunate. 

Jessica is working with a Family Contact Centre, coming to the aid of young people who have been removed from their families by social services. She actually enjoyed a work experience placement at this very Centre. 

And she says: “It’s about helping removed children to have a relationship with their parents in a safe environment. I fell in love with the families, on my placement, seeing how they engaged with their children in difficult circumstances. 

“Obviously it can be very difficult for all concerned, but some parents are really trying to make a difference and to do the right thing to ensure the child is happy. 

“It can be tough work, but it’s also rewarding at the same time.”

VIEW A GALLERY OF IMAGES FROM WINTER GRADUATION 2022.