Hats off as students celebrate their university graduation

THE traditional pomp and splendour accompanying University of Bolton graduation ceremonies may have had to be be played down this year because of the pandemic, but it certainly did not detract from the remarkable achievements of this year’s graduands, who overcame the challenges posed over the past 12months to wear their cap with pride.

The university was forced to cancel last year’s graduation ceremonies as the country battled coronavirus.

This year, it organised an innovative “Alternative Graduation” to allow students to collect their degrees in person and to honour the great and good of the town, including those at the frontline fighting the pandemic.

Professor George E Holmes DL, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Bolton, said: “It has been wonderful seeing students on campus, overjoyed at being able to meet friends again and share the happiness of being able to collect their degrees in person.

“Organising this ‘Alternative Graduation’ has been very complex and I pay tribute to all the staff involved in making it such a success.

“We were determined to provide a special graduation experience for our students who have faced so many challenges throughout the pandemic.

“We are proud to be the only university in the UK offering the chance to graduate face-to-face and have the whole series of ceremonies filmed for a unique graduation documentary to be shared by friends and family as a permanent memento very soon.”

Graduation celebrations took place on campus, starting July 9 and finishing on Friday.

Students had to show a negative Covid test before donning their gowns to be presented with their degree certificate in front of a small, socially-distanced audience.

Student Ethan Matthews, (pictured)  aged 21, graduated with a First in Automotive Performance (Motorsport) Engineering – after a particularly challenging three years.

Ethan was living in the The Cube apartment block in Bolton town centre when it caught fire in November 2019.

He was not in the building at the time, but his apartment was water-logged, and he lost most of his possessions.

And just four months later, the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Ethan who is aiming for a career in F1, said: “It has been really difficult. My grandad caught Covid, was really ill and nearly died.”

During his time at Bolton, Ethan took on the role of Student Employment Champion and says that has massively boosted his confidence.

He said: “Before I came to university, I would have found it very difficult to get up and speak to a number of people and while in this role it is something that I have had to get on and do.

“I feel like I have come on in a big way. It has been really nice to help people as they look for employment.

“My family have also been immense and really supported me through all of this.”

Mum and dad Deborah and David said: “We are really proud of Ethan, it has been very difficult throughout the pandemic and to graduate is a big achievement. We are pleased the university has organised this.”

Fatma Mohammed  (pictured), 23, graduated with a First in Motorsport Technology.

She said graduation had been a lovely day and she had thoroughly enjoyed it.

“I have been really pleased with the way it has gone. Throughout the pandemic I wasn’t sure whether we would have a graduation at all.

“When I got the email to say the ‘Alternative Graduation’ was taking place, I was very happy.”

Fatma, who is also hoping to get into the world of F1, was bitten by the motor mechanic bug as a child, as her father Nur is a mechanic.

Mum Faiza said: “We are so very proud of her, and it is lovely that the University has been able to do this, as many others have just done graduation online.”

A documentary film crew shot the ceremonies, for a special ‘Alternative Graduation’ film which is being directed by BAFTA nominee and former artistic director of the Octagon Theatre, Professor of Theatre at the University, David Thacker.

The final movie will receive a world premiere and be a permanent memento for students and their families later in the summer.

Because of strict Covid-security, friends and family were not allowed into the building.

However, many proud parents attended to take the opportunity to have photos taken with their children in the open air, dressed in their graduation gowns.