Back in 1988, the first ever graduation ceremony was held at Bristol Cathedral for a small group of surveying graduates (recorded in the Bristol Polytechnic News, March 1988).
The November 2023 graduations marked the final UWE Bristol Award Ceremonies to be held at Bristol Cathedral. So that’s 35 years of ceremonies, celebrations, and proud family photos. And myriads of mortar boards thrown in the air.
If you were one of those to receive your award in the cathedral, we hope you still hold happy memories of that important day, marking your well-earned achievement.
Look back at some highlights with us.
Do you remember the time when….
Two robed men took to skateboards (1988)
The Princess Royal was in attendance (1991)
Jeremiah Daliel received a standing ovation when he stood up from his wheelchair (2016)
Following a car accident five years previous, Jeremiah was in a wheelchair on the day he graduated with LLB(Hons) Law. He’d been in and out of hospital and was working hard at his rehabilitation. Buoyed by support in the cathedral he surprised everyone when he stood to receive his award. In an article in ‘The UWE Tab’ Jeremiah said,
“The roar of applause grew louder and louder and continued as if it was playing in my body. It was only when my aide alerted me that my whole class had stood up in support that I realised that these were not just classmates but my dear friends.”
The whole cathedral froze (2016)
In 2016, we managed to convince a cathedral full of graduates, academics, and family and friends to freeze for a ‘mannequin challenge video’.
The marriage proposal (2022)
As if one milestone was not enough, just minutes after Kelly graduated on 22 November 2022, she got engaged to her partner Christian.
A father and daughter graduate together (2023)
The Chu family are proud to have a total of three UWE Bristol degrees between them. Oliver studied both his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees here. Sadly he couldn’t attend his MA Graphic Arts graduation, but a perfect opportunity presented itself…
When his daughter Lizzie graduated from her Adult Nursing degree course this summer, Oliver seized the chance to join her. Watch the moment they graduated together (clip on TikTok).
And finally a favourite from Vice-Chancellor Steve West
“There have been tens of thousands of graduates who have graduated from the Cathedral. Millions of memories, happy families and loved ones joining in celebrating the successes of our graduates. Each one unique, each one special and each one transformational.
I think one of my highlights was awarding the Lord Lieutenant of Bristol Peaches Golding an honorary doctorate and her capping it off with a celebratory dance!
What a moment – tradition, fun and humanity to make a special memory. Thank you to the Cathedral for years of supporting us to make the most spectacular memories.“
Professor Sir Steve West CBE, DL, Vice-Chancellor, President and CEO, UWE Bristol
So, what’s next?
From this year, Bristol Beacon (formerly Colston Hall) will be the home of our graduation ceremonies. UWE Bristol is excited to be partnering with Bristol’s world class music, education, and cultural venue.
Over the years at the cathedral, we found we were unable to provide a truly inclusive ceremony for all our graduates and guests due to the limitations of such a historic building.
The Bristol Beacon has recently reopened following a multi-million-pound refit. The stunning refurbished grade II listed concert hall in Bristol city centre will provide an equitable, accessible, and inclusive experience for all.
Find more information about our partnership with Bristol Beacon on our news pages.
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