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From all four corners of the world: thousands of graduates receive degrees

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Written by
Mark Piggott

More than 2,000 graduates and up to 3,000 guests travelled to London from more than 125 countries around the world this week to celebrate their graduation with us. 

The ceremonies, held on Monday and Tuesday at the Barbican, were a joyous occasion for the new graduates and their families, many of whom were in London for the first time. In so doing they joined the university’s 500,000 strong global community of alumni.

WW graduations 2024

Three very special guests also received awards over the course of the two-day celebrations. Monday afternoon’s honorary fellow was Dr Vandana Lulla, one of the founding members of Podar Education Network. With over 25 years of experience in the education sector, Dr Lulla currently serves as the Dean of Podar World College. 

Anita Anand, an award-winning radio and television journalist, was Tuesday morning’s honorary graduate. For over two decades, she has been a leading voice in news and current affairs, conducting interviews with numerous politicians, including three British prime ministers.

Tuesday afternoon’s ceremony saw journalist and Sunday Times best-selling author Shrabani Basu receive an honorary award. Her critically acclaimed books include The Mystery of the Parsee Lawyer (2021), For King and Another Country (2015), Victoria & Abdul (2010) which was adapted into an Oscar-nominated film starring Dame Judi Dench, Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan (2006) and Curry (1999).   

Tuesday afternoon’s ceremony was presided over by Chancellor of the University of London, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Tuesday’s ceremony was followed by a glittering Alumni Evening celebration at Senate House with 300 guests in attendance.

University of London Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Thomson CBE said:

“I’m delighted to offer my congratulations to all of our graduates. These ceremonies are a wonderful celebration and an opportunity to reflect on their journey to London here this week. We take enormous pride in everyone’s achievements, both those so far, and those to come.”

This page was last updated on 15 May 2024