A month ago today was my favourite CIPS day of the year, the UK Graduation Ceremony. It was an actual honour to be the Master of Ceremonies for the day, I will admit, I didn’t expect to be invited back the second time, as this is a much harder job than I (hopefully) I made it look, a huge shoutout to Duncan Brook who held this title for so many years.
Over 200 students from 26 countries graduated, and for once the English weather turned out fabulously! The sun was shining down on us all, and there were even some dogs in attendance which made it all the sweeter.
The CIPS events team work tirelessly to put on this extra special event – so a big shout out goes to them and for working around actual Dinosaur bones while doing so. It as always is great to see the people on the Ceremonial Platform Party however briefly.
It was also fabulous to see some of our very own students graduate, Rachel Collier, Michelle Daniels, Dilraj Singh Barj, Eazaz China, Paul Doogan, Ria Molineaux, Jasmine Roe & Samantha Wooley. Plus Ashley Houghton who started his CIPS with me. I know there were many more of our students who wanted to be there, but the graduation sold out in two weeks. Please don’t delay for 2027!
Seeing Ben Farrell for his third graduation be so genuinely engaging and interested in everyone on the stage is really heartwarming, I learn so much about his movements and even where he passed his driving test from hearing his conversations with the graduates. This level of enthusiasm is rare, and I know how much it meant to the delegates on stage with him.
I really hope to see you all at the ceremony over the next few years, it is really special to get to meet you in person and your loved ones, and celebrate YOU!