Graduation through the years
Graduation is a special occasion that brings people together to celebrate the achievements of their loved ones.
For more than a century, Leeds alumni have been changing the world, continuing to lead and innovate in a range of fields. As the class of 2020 and 2021 becomes part of a global network of Leeds graduates who support each other, we are taking a look at the changing face of ceremonies in different decades, and notable figures who have graduated from Leeds.
The University’s history started in 1874 when it was established as the Yorkshire College of Science. The first student to enrol was Shadrach Stephenson — a young miner from the village of Methley near Leeds. Shadrach did not graduate at our beloved Great Hall as the building wasn’t completed until 20 years after he started his journey as a student.
Flour, ribbons, and confetti
Different traditions have formed throughout the years, and while some trends emerged for a short period and didn’t last, others stood the test of time and today unite thousands of students who graduate from Leeds.
A celebration that you can’t witness nowadays originated at the beginning of the 20th century. It involved flour, ribbons and confetti being flung by the graduates from the balcony of The Great Hall. We are sure that members of our Cleaning Services are happy that this tradition is not around anymore.
Alumni from different schools within the University have various long-standing traditions. The School of Medicine has annual reunions by class, and some university friends have been celebrating their time at Leeds together for decades.
A happy reunion
During the second world war, many students could not attend official graduation ceremonies. In 1940 the ‘Degree Day’ did not go ahead due to the threat of air-raids across the city. In 1993, after a letter from Mrs. Evelyn Stead who was not able to attend a graduation in 1940, war-time graduates were offered an opportunity to visit the campus for an official degree ceremony. On 27 July in 1993, these returning alumni reunited on campus, 53 years after leaving the University. It was a very special day that brought together graduates from all over the UK and even one former student who had settled in Italy. A unique ceremony took place at The Great Hall, and these former war-time students received commemorative certificates, having their degrees conferred as a part of the ceremony.
From Leeds to Hollywood
Among notable Leeds alumni are famous scientists, presenters, politicians, actors, journalists and athletes. Naga Munchetty, Col Needham, Keir Starmer and the Brownlee brothers studied at Leeds and are part of our alumni community. Hollywood actor Chris Pine, known for playing Captain Kirk in recent Star Trek movies, spent a year at Leeds from 2000–2001 as part of his English degree. He speaks fondly of Leeds, mentioning that he lived in Hyde Park and enjoyed the quality of education he received at the University.
“Leeds offered everything I wanted: challenging courses that demanded critical and original thinking and a thriving social scene offered by a myriad of school societies and a busy city centre. I loved it. I miss it. And I wouldn’t trade my year for anything in the world.” — Chris Pine.
Centenary anniversary
Leeds became an independent university in 1904 after receiving a royal charter, joining other newly formed universities across the region. In 2004 old and new friends of the University gathered to celebrate its first centenary anniversary. Sir Ian McKellen was among those who received honorary degrees on that day. In her presentation address, a theatre director and producer, Jude Kelly, a theatre director and producer talked about Sir Ian’s values of community, friendship and family, in her presentation address.
“Ian is a man of deep personal conscience. He is known as a voice for liberty, defending the rights of all humans to acknowledge their personal sexuality as a gift and a joy and not a matter for guilt or reproach. But less known is his attention to the everyday matters of human courtesy, respect and loyalty.” — Jude Kelly.
A lasting memory
It’s hard to imagine today’s graduations without a celebratory ceremony involving family and friends coming together for a special day. The ceremony is a culmination of hard work and achievements — a recognition that every graduate is joining a global Leeds alumni community.
A graduation day is a lasting memory. Leeds graduates and their parents enjoy taking photos outside the Clothworkers Court, the Union building and of course in front of the Sign for Art. A stroll around campus, taking photos while wearing a gown is almost a must for every graduate.
Class of 2020 and 2021 will be remembered forever
The class of 2020 and 2021 are graduating during unprecedented times. We are all very proud of our graduates and welcome them to the alumni community that is always going to be by their side.
Congratulations to everyone graduating this year. You did it! Our Leeds community celebrates your achievement.
Are you a Leeds alum?
Are you an alum with a fond memory of Leeds? We would love to hear from you! Get in touch with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram and join us in celebrating being ‘forever Leeds’.
