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Over 7,000 new graduates join UCL alumni community at virtual ceremonies
14 December 2020
Thousands of UCL students across the globe came together to have their degrees officially conferred at virtual graduation ceremonies throughout autumn.
Whether it was five years ago or over 50, most of us remember the day we graduated. That will certainly be the case for the UCL graduates of 2020, whose degrees were officially conferred throughout autumn during virtual graduation ceremonies – a first for the university.
Over 50 graduation ceremonies were held between October and December, allowing students to celebrate their achievements alongside fellow graduates from their faculty. More than 7,000 graduates from across the globe attended the celebrations, which took place entirely online, in line with social distancing measures.
Creative commemorations
In lieu of a traditional ceremony, many graduates got creative in their celebrations. Some acquired mortarboards for the occasion, while others donned inventive alternatives.
Students from the Institute of Education went the extra mile, holding a unique ‘ceremony’ in the video game Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Congratulatory contributions
Presided over by Faculty Deans, each graduation ceremony featured congratulatory video messages from UCL President & Provost Professor Michael Arthur and the university’s Vice-Provosts.
A number of exceptional alumni also contributed video messages for the ceremonies, sharing their stories and advice for graduates of the faculties where they had also studied.
““Take your fantastic qualifications and turn them into fabulous qualities for the good of the many, not the few.” – Chantal Rickards OBE, Former Bafta LA CEO (UCL French 1980)
Watch our alumni contributors' videos
Professor Dame Hazel Genn, Vice-Provost (International and Advancement), offered her congratulations to UCL’s newest alumni: “I am immensely proud of you, our new graduates, and hope you feel proud of yourselves too. Graduating from UCL is an incredible achievement and reflects the talent, hard work, passion and creativity you have demonstrated throughout your studies. This is an extraordinary time to be a new graduate, but your UCL degree will set you apart and stand you in good stead.
“You will always belong to UCL’s global community. Make the most of the 300,000-strong alumni network you have joined and the support that is at your fingertips, from mentoring to careers advice to lifelong learning opportunities. Your fellow alumni are ready and willing to share their expertise and the Alumni team is here to support you.
“I wish you all the very best for the future, and look forward to seeing what remarkable things you’ll go on to accomplish.”
As a graduate of UCL, you’re a crucial part of the university’s vibrant global network. Find out more about the alumni services and benefits available to you, and connect with fellow graduates through the Alumni Online Community.
