Hope students marked their academic achievements with loved ones at graduation, hosted this year at the beautiful Liverpool Cathedral.
Today, Tuesday 22 July, marked the first of three days of summer graduations for the class of 2025, with celebrations set to continue through to Thursday 24 July.
Hundreds of students collected their degree awards, and even the gloomy weather could not stand in the way of their jubilation on this special occasion.
Students donned their caps and gowns at the University’s Hope Park campus, where they had the opportunity to celebrate with their peers and lecturers. Hope’s iconic hat throw saw hundreds of students take part against the iconic backdrop of the HCA building in the landscaped quad gardens.
This is a wonderful time for students to reflect on their time at Hope and appreciate how far they have come. As they prepare for their next steps in life, graduands paused to appreciate their achievements and recognise the challenges that they have been able to overcome.
Kate Horne is graduating with a degree in Human Geography and Politics and said: “My time at Hope flew by and it made me enjoy learning again. My highlights were getting the opportunity to go to Berlin through my course, and getting my final grades back. My tutors were always on hand if I needed help. I have a graduate role lined up as a town planner in a local council, where I will be also studying a part-time masters in town and regional planning. My advice for new students would be write your lecture notes up before the lecture, do the reading, and start your dissertation as early as you can!”
Vice-Chancellor and Rector Professor Claire Ozanne commended graduands for their achievements, acknowledging that many will have juggled their studies with other commitments, saying: “You will have worked very hard to get to this point. I know that studying for a degree can be challenging, especially against a rising cost of living crisis and the end of the pandemic. There will have been moments, I’m sure, when you felt like giving up but you have fought through and worked hard to reach this point. You have demonstrated resilience and adaptability. This dedication stands you in good stead for the future and today’s celebration offers you the chance to reflect on what you have achieved.”
Professor Ozanne applauded the families, friends and partners of Hope graduands who have been there throughout their journeys, and thanked Hope colleagues for their support.
This commitment to providing an exceptional student experience was echoed in the recent , which placed Hope first in the North West in eight categories around learning, support and other areas of student life.
Award-winning BBC journalist Fergal Keane accepted an honorary doctorate at the ceremony, and will be joined by international football manager Emma Hayes and acclaimed journalist and filmmaker Peter Taylor as the 2025 recipients.