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We were proud to join our students, their families, and our academic community in celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2026 at this year’s graduation ceremonies. Graduates from Psychology, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Health with Social Care, and Business programmes came together to mark one of the most significant milestones in their academic journeys.
The atmosphere was filled with pride and joy as each graduate crossed the stage to applause from staff, friends, and loved ones. The day represented not only academic achievement, but also the resilience and determination our students have shown throughout their studies.
Our academic leaders who attended the ceremonies shared heartfelt reflections on the experience:
Reflections from Our Academic Team
Silvia Duedal, Senior Lecturer, shared a heartfelt reflection on the significance of the ceremony:
“It’s always such a special occasion to take part in a university graduation ceremony, as it marks one of those truly memorable days in our lives. In particular, seeing our students graduate after so many years of hard work, commitment, and sacrifice — both emotionally and financially — is incredibly rewarding.
More importantly, as a lecturer and academic mentor, it is a privilege to be part of their journey and witness how much they have grown. I am always touched when students I taught years ago come running up to me, full of happiness and pride in their achievements, as though it was only yesterday that we were in the classroom together.
One former Anatomy student once said to me, when I was surprised she still remembered my name: ‘How could we ever forget you, Silvia? You taught us everything we know — we’ll carry this with us forever.’ Moments of genuine gratitude like this are ones I will always cherish. They remind us why we teach: to make a difference. They make every challenge, frustration, and joyful moment worthwhile.
Well done to all our graduates 🎓”
Smitha Nriban, Module Leader, reflected on the ceremony with a message that highlighted both pride and inspiration:
“I was overcome with joy and pride watching my students graduate. It signified the culmination of years of hard work, growth, and resilience. I found myself reflecting not only on their achievements, but also on the journey that brought them here — the uncertainty they once carried, the persistence they learned to draw upon, and the confidence that steadily developed over time.
As they move forward, I hope they carry that same resilience and curiosity into whatever paths they choose. They have already shown what they are capable of, and I have no doubt they will continue to achieve great things. Above all, I hope they continue to grow, challenge themselves, and believe in what they can become.”
Dr Teng Guan Khoo, Academic Director, captured the essence of the ceremony in his reflection:
“The day was filled with a complete mix of emotions — accomplishment, happiness, pride, excitement, nostalgia, relief, a touch of sadness, and above all, hope. These emotions were reflected in the faces of the UoNL Business graduates attending the graduation ceremony at the Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton, on Wednesday 29 April 2026.
Many graduates shared that they had never imagined themselves walking across the stage and shaking the hand of the University of Northampton Pro-Chancellor. That moment represented far more than a handshake: it symbolised their transition from graduand to graduate, and marked the successful completion of a journey that began three or four years ago on the sixth floor of the UoNL campus in the heart of London.
As a senior representative of UoNL attending the ceremony, I too felt immense pride — especially seeing nearly 60 UoNL students present, occupying almost a third of the hall. It was a powerful reminder that our academic and professional support teams play a vital role in helping students build the foundations for success throughout their learning journey.
Speaking with graduates as we walked from the Royal & Derngate Theatre to the Guildhall, many shared their ambitions for the future. Some were still in disbelief at what they had achieved, while others were already considering postgraduate study. Whatever path they choose, I am confident they will continue to persevere and succeed.
These graduates have balanced family life, careers, personal development, and academic study, and they are now more determined than ever to demonstrate their capabilities in an ever-changing world.
Once again, congratulations to all our UoNL graduates. I look forward to celebrating the future successes of our students.”
Anita Steinberg, Academic Director, reflected on the significance of the ceremonies, celebrating the resilience, determination, and achievements of this year’s graduates:
“I was honoured to attend the recent graduation ceremonies celebrating students from our Psychology, Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Health with Social Care programmes. Graduation is one of my favourite events of the academic year, as it marks the culmination of our students’ hard work throughout their university journey.
These ceremonies celebrate not only academic achievement, but also the resilience and determination our students have shown over three or four years of study, often while balancing the complexities of everyday life. Their perseverance deserves the highest praise.
It was a privilege to congratulate graduates personally after the ceremonies and to meet the families and friends who supported them throughout their studies.
Congratulations to all our graduates on reaching this remarkable milestone. We look forward to seeing the great things you will go on to achieve — please stay in touch and let us know what you do next.
To our current students: keep striving and stay focused. Your hard work will pay off, and I look forward to celebrating your success at your own graduation ceremony in the future.”