August 28, 2013 9.28 am This story is over 127 months old

University of Lincoln prepares for biggest ever graduation

Graduation time: Lincoln Cathedral is gearing up for the University of Lincoln’s graduation week, with records numbers of students graduating.
Photo: Dominic Clark for The Lincolnite

Over 14,000 people will be visiting Lincoln Cathedral from Monday, September 2 as the University of Lincoln’s largest ever graduation ceremony week takes place.

Over 3,000 students will graduate from the university next week, including the first cohort of bachelor’s degree students from the new School of Engineering.

One student in particular who will be amongst the students graduating is Kristina Key. In 2008, just two months before she was due to begin her university career, Kristina suffered a debilitating head injury that caused deterioration in her speech, weakness in both hands and intolerance to light.

After working hard through adversity, Kristina will join her peers to celebrate as she collects her degree in Health and Social Care.

Special guests

Journalist John Sergeant

Journalist John Sergeant

A number of famous faces will also be attending the ceremonies after being invited to accept honorary degrees in recognition for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields.

Award-winning journalist John Sergeant will become an Honorary Doctor of Letters, after a career spanning five decades has seen him propelled to become known as one of the nations most distinguished journalists.

He will be joined on Tuesday, September 3 by former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Blair, who will be receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Laws.

Other honorary graduates include Chief Executive of the British Library Roly Keating, architectural historian Anne Coltman OBE, organist at Lincoln Cathedral Colin Walsh and Graham Secker, Pro Chancellor at the University of Lincoln.

Former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Blair

Former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Blair

Vice Chancellor Professor Mary stuart said: “Graduation is a moment of great celebration for our students, and their friends and families, as it represents the culmination of years of hard work.

“It is also an important time for our academic staff, who take great pride in the achievements of each and every one of their students.

“This year we are delighted to be recognising the first cohort of graduates from the University’s new School of Engineering, who along with their peers throughout the University, have exciting prospects ahead of them.

“There can be few more spectacular settings to recognise their accomplishments, and those of our honorary graduates, than Lincoln Cathedral. We very much look forward to celebrating with all of our guests.”