Birkbeck’s Spring Graduation Ceremony Celebrates 1,245 Graduates at Iconic Senate House
From 22 to 25 April, 1,245 postgraduate students graduated from their studies in Senate House, the esteemed headquarters of the University of London, located in Bloomsbury.
Graduates were addressed by Professor Sally Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of Birkbeck; Baroness Joan Bakewell, President of Birkbeck; two former Birkbeck students, Anne-Marie Huby and Dr Lauren Barnett; and current student William Sarenden.
Several graduates relayed their remarkable stories over video and shared how studying at Birkbeck had been life changing. Among the graduates were Zeynep Esendemir, an MSc Marketing international student from Turkey, who landed her dream marketing placements and now permanent roles with the help of Birkbeck’s Careers Service; Sam Tewari, MSc Organizational Psychology graduate who has used his master’s degree to move from working in the music industry into the field of organizational psychology; and James Collins, MA Screenwriting graduate, who has used his degree to change career into working at the British Film Institute (BFI).
James Collins commented: “I decided to do a Masters in Screenwriting about 10 years after my undergraduate degree because I was stuck in a career I didn’t enjoy and wanted to pursue my love of film and storytelling. The course really helped boost my confidence and sharpened my skills as a writer, so much so that I felt able to embark on a career change. I now work as a Story Editor and Development Coordinator at the BFI, an organisation I’ve admired from afar my whole life. Hopefully I can inspire others to take a leap and follow their dreams as well!”
Graduates also gave advice for current students on writing their dissertations, as well as joyfully showing onlookers how they felt to be completing their degrees.
Professor Sally Wheeler commented: “I would like to convey my warmest congratulations to all graduates, who have shown such dedication to their education and personal development. I am immensely proud and wish you all the best in the future as you become part of our community of alumni.“
Birkbeck also welcomed four new Fellows at this Graduation: Professor Susan James, Dr Hazel Willis, Dr Kate Mackenzie Davey and Robert Allison. Each Fellow, recognized through the annual election by the College Governors, demonstrated exceptional service or achieved distinction in their respective fields or in connection with Birkbeck.