This year we had staff from across the directorate take part in Graduation, here are a few of their stories:

Emma Richardson, Senior Business Analyst, Strategic Portfolio and Business Change

Depending on what project I am involved in, my role as a Business Analyst has limited contact with students.

I felt that I could do something about this in 2017 and decided to get more involved in the large scale student events in 2017 as I wanted to feel more connected to the student community / purpose of what we do at Hallam.

Firstly, I volunteered for an open day (which was brilliant) and nearly lost my voice speaking to all the students we saw that day.

Secondly, I volunteered for the clearing day (which was amazing and exhilarating), the time passed so quickly that day but the memorable moment was I was the first one in our room to be able to offer a student a place. The sound of the student’s voice went from despair to elation in a second!

Finally, I volunteered for a graduation session and was allocated the job of a general steward. I have graduated twice myself so knew what it was like to be part of the ceremony and I had a general understanding of the event.

It was a different experience again to be a steward, I felt proud to feel part of a welcoming team for all those relatives and friends coming together to celebrate their own loved one’s little victory.

I helped excited young children through to extremely proud great grandparents to find and settle into their seats for the ceremony. Pointing out to them that they could find the names of their loved ones in the graduation programme!

The student speaker was amazing at the ceremony, an inspirational view of how our graduates can really make a difference. The academic speakers were good too!

Being part of all these things has given me a feeling of understanding of our student community and the anxiousness they go through to get into SHU and the longer journey they take through their time at SHU.

I would definitely recommend getting involved in graduation and any of the other large scale student events throughout the year.

Jo Murfin, Procurement Officer

I volunteered at 2 graduation ceremonies this year and really enjoyed them both.

For the first one I was up in the grand circle where I was showing the very proud guests to their seats and had a really great view of all the graduates crossing the stage,  for the second I was right in the middle of where the students were; some who didn’t need me at all and some who relied completely upon me to show them to their correct seats….and one who lost her name card!

It was a fantastic experience, and a great opportunity to feel close to the students and the reason we are all here doing what we are doing.

Give it a go if you get the chance.

Rachel Devaney, Head of Procurement

“Be part of this year’s platform party” they encouraged.

What? With the academics at the front… I’m very clumsy! (I thought).

Fortunately old-hand Louise Love attended the same platform. She showed me the ropes, and saved my bacon. I spent the last 15 minutes before we entered the hall repeating, “don’t trip”.

I haven’t been in a procession like that since I was an archangel (who knew) in the nativity for Lincoln cathedral (aged seven). I felt equally dazzled, disorientated and honoured to be there, again thinking “don’t trip” over the booming of the organ.

The ceremony started with Tunde Okewale MBP receiving his honorary doctorate. His message was about persistence and learning from the ‘no’ responses life hits you with.

Then a procession of graduates ensued. An array of awards along the way, some with multiple awards. All really proud, some attempting nonchalance, some so terrified of the stage they went for a drive-by hand shake only to be dragged back by Chris Wiggington for a protracted chat so they savoured their moment.

The public orators deserve medals and Valium for their nerve and resolve under pressure.

It was a fabulous opportunity to experience, despite one posthumous award, which tore at everyone’s heart-strings. I’m so pleased to have participated.

Oh and I didn’t trip!