An online graduation ceremony is taking place today to mark the achievements of The University of Bradford's Class of 2021.

The event will acknowledge the fortitude of the students who have continued to succeed despite studying during the pandemic, and provide a memorable backdrop for their celebrations.

An online event was arranged to mark the occasion, as Covid-19 meant in-person ceremonies were unable to take place.

Professor Shirley Congdon, University of Bradford's Vice-Chancellor, said: "The fact that our graduating class of 2021 has adapted and persevered - despite living and studying through a global pandemic - is a tremendous achievement and I am proud of and impressed by them all. They too should be very proud of their success.

“Although we can't celebrate face-to-face, August 19, 2021, will be a day of celebrations to mark this important milestone for our graduates, inviting them to join us virtually with their friends and families to congratulate them on their achievements.”

The virtual celebrations will include activities allowing the graduates, their family and friends, and the city to get involved. 

Each faculty will hold its own virtual celebration, with graduates urged to join in social media chats using the hashtag #TeamBradfordForever.

Students have also been invited to book photography sessions the following week where they can be pictured with friends and family in a graduation gown and cap.

Some of Bradford’s most iconic buildings will be specially lit to mark the graduation of University of Bradford students of 2021.

Buildings taking part include City Hall, Forster Square Arches, Margaret McMillan Tower, and some buildings on the University campus - all of which will be bathed in gold.

The giant plasma screen in City Park will also share a congratulatory video.
During the virtual celebrations, the University will also be awarding honorary degrees to those who have made a major contribution to society.

The honorary graduates include Allan O Jagger OBE, a former President of Rotary International Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) and who is a key supporter of Rotary International’s work on peace, and Professor Jane Cummings, a registered nurse specialising in emergency care, who is also Trustee of the Covid-19 Health Care Support Appeal and volunteers as a medical professional for various charities. 

The university says that all graduates from the Class of 2020 and 2021 will be invited back to the University of Bradford to attend a traditional, on-campus ceremony at a later date.