Graduation 2020
Looking back at our online celebration of Faculty of Social Sciences graduates
We were delighted that so many of you could join us online from across the globe to celebrate your achievements in these most unusual of times.
Although your time as a York student may have come to an end, you are now part of a friendly and inspiring community of over 130,000 York alumni across more than 180 countries.
Keep scrolling to find out more about your York Global Alumni Association membership and enjoy just some of the many highlights from your online graduation.
"You will now be remembered as the generation that demonstrated extraordinary resilience, creativity and compassion in overcoming one of the greatest challenges any of us have ever experienced.
Your inspirational responses to the events of 2020 reveal the strength of a York community of shared purpose and determination to respond positively to such difficult circumstances."
The build-up
While the ceremony was virtual, the excitement was real
A huge congratulations everyone graduating this week! Our @UniOfYork Global Alumni Association can't wait to welcome you 🤗
— UoY Alumni (@UoYAlumni) August 24, 2020
Find out more about becoming an alumni of York: https://t.co/4gPzes6PAt pic.twitter.com/B9SBsVgHSv
This year's graduation ceremonies are rather different but nevertheless, we wish many congratulations to all the students graduating today! 🎓🎉🥂🍾💐#UoYGraduation pic.twitter.com/1teNHsnz81
— Uni of York Library (@UoYLibrary) August 27, 2020
Not a normal #UoYGraduation scene this morning, but still many congratulations to our @UoYLaw students graduating today. And a special shout out to any @GoodrickeYork members, and to my great Crime & Punishment students. pic.twitter.com/vT6g6dxg3t
— Matt Matravers (@matt_matravers) August 27, 2020
Congratulations to all our graduates and wishing you all a happy virtual celebration of your achievements today #UoYGraduation pic.twitter.com/KXC7Zfu94g
— Economics at York (@EconomicsatYork) August 27, 2020
The Instagram #UoYGraduation stickers are cool! Long Boi just had to make an appearance...🦆 pic.twitter.com/cv7LOYCVwL
— Dr. maˈɾina~məˈɹiːnə🧉 (@pronbites) August 26, 2020
Huge congratulations to all those graduating today from online studies in public policy & management, public administration and international development, and to all graduating @spsw @spswonlineyork #UoYGraduation Special graduates in a special year! pic.twitter.com/YrZ0zAKaG1
— Ellen Roberts (@YorkEllen) August 27, 2020
We were also treated to messages from some old friends...
Dr Nnimmo Bassey, The Rt Rev and Rt Hon Baron Williams of Oystermouth, Professor Dame Anne M Johnson, and Dr Mark Addy were just some of the many honorary graduates who took the time to congratulate our graduands.
The main event
Living rooms and home offices across the globe became a stand-in for Central Hall as you gathered with your families, friends and supporters
Chancellor's introduction
Mary Haworth, Director of the University's Office Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni, welcomed graduands and introduced the Chancellor, Professor Sir Malcolm Grant.
"What makes these ceremonies so special is the transformation of those who join us at the outset as graduands, that is those who have satisfied the course requirements for the award of a degree, and at the end of the ceremony becoming graduates. Not just graduates, actually, but graduates of the University of York."
Presentation of candidates
Professor Stuart Bell, Social Sciences Faculty Dean, announced and awarded graduands from each department.
Student orator speech
Anna Kpikipi (Economics and Related Studies), moved the audience with their inspiring speech to fellow faculty members.
"If we stick together and we remain resilient, I truly believe we will be able to conquer the biggest challenges in front of us and come out stronger at the other end."
Presentation of honorary graduand
Dr Andrew Pickering, Department of Economics, presented Professor Mariana Mazzucato for her honorary degree.
"At the current conjuncture, where both the global pandemic and major environmental challenges will require the innovation of vaccines and green technology, the significance of her work cannot be overestimated."
"This is my message to you: Keep fighting. Make sure that we really are thorns in each other’s sides… How can we really do things differently?"
Closing declaration by the Vice-Chancellor
"We look forward to hearing about your contribution to the public good that's a special feature of being part of our community at the University of York. Please keep in touch."
Familiar faces from our honorary graduate community made surprise appearances with their messages for this year's graduands
"If COVID-19 has taught us anything it is that anything can happen. We must expect the unexpected and do our best to prepare for it in advance. A university degree is just such a preparation. It gives you the skills you need to be able to turn your hand to whatever opportunities come your way."
"We have work to do. You have work to do, and we will do it together, with hope and truth at our side, because out of these dark days must come a better world."
And finally, our students closed the proceedings with a special performance coordinated by the Students' Union and York Student Television
We loved seeing your celebrations
Thank you to everyone who shared their day with us on social media.
Graduating in a pandemic... #UoYGraduation with @heal_libby @george_heal pic.twitter.com/v6J3uukCXB
— jacqui heal (@JacquiHeal) August 27, 2020
I just graduated with a Bachelor of Science during a pandemic #UoYGraduation pic.twitter.com/nSJXmuCdFx
— Fardos (@ffsayy) August 27, 2020
"A moment for the state to ask itself how it has lost so much capacity"... bringing different voices to the table and not just the elite. Such timely messages and highly relevant to all Social Policy graduands today @MazzucatoM @UniOfYork @spsw #UoYGraduation
— Ellen Roberts (@YorkEllen) August 27, 2020
"My family made it the loveliest day ever and my friends turned up to cheer me on! I’ll miss Uni so much but I’m glad I got to celebrate!" - @AnnaKpikpi of @EconomicsatYork marking #UoYGraduation this time last week 🎓👏🎉 https://t.co/Tu7Zr4HjfX #ClassOf2020 pic.twitter.com/7bkMQ5MDOZ
— University of York (@UniOfYork) September 3, 2020
"I'm graduating with a BA in Social Policy @spsw at age 51. Age is just a number and after a life-changing event I came to uni to understand policy making... the Uni of York has given me the strength to create a new me" - congrats on your #UoYGraduation Gail! 🎓 #HumansOfYork pic.twitter.com/nBgfK9s6ko
— University of York (@UniOfYork) August 27, 2020
"I want to thank the Mature Student Network - Nicola and Tamlyn - for allowing me to work for them for the last three years to ensure mature students feel welcome at York."
Feeling inspired?
If you're a friend, family member or supporter who has been inspired by our graduates and is considering a return to education, you may be interested in our free online courses including our course for mature learners.
You are now part of a global network of alumni
This isn't the end...
We want to bring you back onto campus to celebrate as soon as it is safe to do so. Please make sure your details are up-to-date so we can get in touch.
This is only the beginning
The York Global Alumni Association is our community of inspiring passionate, dedicated graduates around the world - and that now includes you!
Access our support
- Networking opportunities and other events
- Dedicated international groups across the globe
- Exclusive services, discounts and offers
- Regular news and updates via our alumni newsletter
- Get ongoing help from our Careers and Placements team
"You get to make a lot of new contacts with experiences and viewpoints that enrich your life and career – people you wouldn't have connected with without the ties of the University."
Find out how to follow in the footsteps of other alumni
"I graduated during a recession and have certainly experienced tough times. What I have learned from this is that some organisations won’t survive, this is usually because their products or service are out of date or irrelevant, and these are replaced by more innovative organisations and whole new sectors can be created."
Become a Class of 2020 Peer Mentor
We're seeking a group of mentors from the Class of 2020 to provide peer support to fellow graduates, easing the transition into work or further study. Mentors will gain access to an exclusive programme of training and networking opportunities designed to develop their coaching, leadership, influencing and facilitation skills.
Be part of York Unlimited
Over 200 students of our Class of 2020 received donor-funded scholarships or awards.
Visit the York Unlimited page to find out how you can:
- volunteer time by becoming a Regional Coordinator for our global alumni network
- support Global Giving Day 2020 by becoming a Giving Day Ambassador