Chemistry Graduation Celebrations for our 2020, 2021, and 2022 graduates

The School of Chemistry was delighted to recently host a series of Graduation Events from 20-22 July as we welcomed back our graduating student cohorts from 2020, 2021 and 2022. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, our traditional graduation ceremonies in St. David’s Hall could not take place in 2020 and 2021. Cardiff University therefore delivered an extraordinary series of events, catering for 55,000 guests over these three days, culminating in a spectacular gathering of graduates, family and friends for the main celebratory event in the Principality Stadium each evening. It was a privilege to be able to join our chemistry students to celebrate their achievements, and a real joy to see so many of our alumni return to the School.

Professor Damien Murphy, Head of School, who performed the Master of Ceremonies and official cap doffing duties for the seven School ceremony events remarked “The enthusiasm, elation, pride and joy amongst all of the graduating students was palpable and infectious. I congratulate once again all the students for their success and achievements. I am also extremely grateful to all the School staff who contributed to these local events, making them meaningful, memorable and successful”.

Drs Alison Paul and Benjamin Ward had the additional honour and privilege of awarding prizes to our high achievers following the more formal proceedings of the ceremonies.  Dr Paul commented “Our students have achieved some exceptional results in challenging times. It was, as always, a pleasure to present a number of awards to our top performing undergraduate students, recognising outstanding practical marks, research projects and examination performance”.

Following the local School events, students were able to enjoy the celebratory festivities across the Cathays campus, prior to making their way to the 74,500 capacity Principality Stadium for a grand finale ceremony hosted by Vice Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan.

As a practical-based subject, the School of Chemistry worked exceptionally hard to deliver hands-on learning opportunities within the undergraduate teaching laboratories throughout the pandemic, so it was especially pleasing to let the students loose to reminisce around some experimental glassware assemblies for one final time (courtesy of the creative and excellent craftmanship by our resident technician, Mark Reece)!  Special thanks are also extended to Neve Millar, an MChem student in the School, for taking time out of her summer CUROP project to perform unofficial photography duties throughout the week.

We wish our graduating students the very best of success in their ongoing careers, and hope that you all will remain in contact with us in the future through our Alumni network.  Llongyfarchiadau pawb!