UEL marks graduation with two days of celebrating success

Published

18 January 2024

Cheering friends and relatives saw more than a thousand graduates receive their degrees at the University of East London on 16 and 17 January.

The University’s Docklands campus was the venue for the two days of ceremonies, with freezing temperatures outside doing nothing to chill the atmosphere inside the SportsDock arena.

In her speech to the graduands, Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Amanda Broderick, stressed her pride in those about to get their degrees and she noted the collaborative nature of their work and the University itself. She said,

“Each of you has contributed to the rich tapestry of ideas, creativity and collaboration that defines us as an institution. You have pursued knowledge, challenged boundaries and expanded horizons, leaving an indelible mark on our institution.”

Professor Broderick also used her speeches to highlight UEL students who have “encapsulated the spirit of endeavour and application that characterise this institution.” Among them, MBA student Ammu Venugopal, who refused to be daunted after being turned down for employment 672 times. Perhaps even more impressive, after finally becoming an intern at the International Business Times (IBT), she swiftly won a promotion and she has used her position to take on 100 placement students from UEL. Many of those students have moved on to permanent positions, within the IBT group and elsewhere.

Looking back at 2023, Professor Broderick highlighted that it was the University’s 125th anniversary year, noting the historic visit of His Majesty King Charles III to UEL and his opening of the Hospital and Primary Care Training Hub. Her speech also looked forward to 2024 and the University’s celebration of a Year of Science, which will see the British Science Festival, the oldest such event in Europe, come to UEL. The year is an opportunity to explore how technology and AI are impacting lives, careers and communities in a variety of ways, and how, together, we can use science to create a greener, fairer and healthier world.

Across the two days, the University conferred honorary doctorates to three successful individuals. Councillor Ketan Sheth, who is a lawyer, politician, community leader and friend to UEL received an Honorary Doctorate of Law for his outstanding contributions to public service. Jane Barnes, an extraordinary educator with 46 years of teaching experience, was presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Education for her lifelong dedication. Mrs Barnes has trained generations of teachers, creating a legacy of educational transformation.

Mark Stephens CBE also accepted an Honorary Doctorate of Health Sciences on behalf of his late wife Donna Coote. The posthumous award highlighted Ms Coote’s impact on immunology research, as well as her significant contribution to combating HIV/AIDS and battling blood cancers.

The focus on success and the future was much a theme at all graduation ceremonies, with many of those receiving degrees looking ahead to a bright future. Mahalakshmi Krishnan, a student from India, said she’d already got a job, with her UEL degree playing a crucial part in securing her the position. She said, “It was because of my MBA that I got this role back in India.”

Roshan Patil, a student graduating with a prized Master of Business Administration (MBA) qualification said stepping onto the stage to receive his degree was something he’d long dreamed about. He said, “It was a great moment for me. I’ve thought about it for many years, five or six years at least. Now I’m graduating I’m hoping I will get more opportunities with the help of this degree. UEL has really helped me on this path.”

His words were echoed by Andrew Odike, who received an MSc in Public Health. He said, “I’m proud, it was a real achievement. I felt good today, on top of the world to be honest, because I felt yes, I did this. It’s what I came here for, at the end of the day.”