Published on 28/07/2020
Two female Aston graduates wearing mortars and hugging

 

  • Over 2,200 Aston University students set to take part in virtual celebrations on 29 July
  • Aston University to welcome its latest graduates into their alumni community
  • Graduates to be offered opportunity to attend a future ceremony when Covid-19 threat has passed.

Over 2,200 students are set to celebrate their graduation together during a day of virtual graduation celebrations hosted by Aston University across its social media channels on 29 July.

The University was due to hold twelve graduation ceremonies over the course of a week at Town Hall Birmingham, but plans have had to be postponed owing to current restrictions on large gatherings.

Aston University’s vice-chancellor and chief executive, Professor Alec Cameron, will be joining other academics and members of staff in making congratulatory video messages that will be shared across the University’s social networks.

The day will be an informal celebration with no ceremonies or formal timetable but as part of the day’s activities, the University will be asking new graduates - wherever they are in the world - to share pictures or videos of themselves in their graduation outfits with the hashtag #virtualAstonGrads.

There will also be opportunities for them to win prizes, connect with classmates and other alumni and to find out about the benefits of being a member of the Aston University alumni community. There will also be a digital version of the official degree brochure for students to download and share with family and friends.

Kerrie Holland, director of supporter engagement and operations, said:

“While the virtual celebrations will not replace the physical graduation ceremonies, we did not want the students’ hard work to go uncelebrated this summer and we will use the day to welcome them into our alumni community of over 100,000 graduates who live and work across the globe.”

Professor Alec Cameron, vice-chancellor and chief executive, said:

“Although we know our students will have been disappointed not to be have been able to attend their graduation ceremonies last week as planned, we hope that the virtual celebration will go some way to show them how proud we are of their achievements.

The day marks the successful completion of their studies and as well as being a celebration for those who are graduating, we hope that it will also be a special time for their families and those who have provided support over the past years.”

 

ENDS

Notes to editors

Notes to Editors

 

About Aston University

Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Alec Cameron is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.

 

For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Rebecca Hume, Press & PR Officer,
on 07557 745416 or email
r.hume@aston.ac.uk

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