Gaudeamus Igitur

There is no better place to celebrate academic achievement than Cambridge University. I was delighted to be invited a few weeks ago to the Homerton College Graduation Ceremony. The day was beautiful and the girl who was graduating was shining (and melting) in her gown. We started the day with some drinks at the college grounds to then move to the formal halls for a buffet lunch. The atmosphere was very festive yet solemn. All students were wearing different gowns depending on their degree and their parents and guests were all in formal outfits. You could breathe the excitement but also the tension for the imminent graduation. After a surprisingly delicious meal we were asked to go to the centre of the town where the ceremony took place.


Cambridge university was founded in 1209 and today’s graduation ceremony is amongst its oldest traditions. The awarding of each degree is still an act of the whole university and it is therefore a very big celebration. Graduands were presented by their College to the Vice-Chancellor of the University or a deputy in the presence of the Proctors and entered in a procession in the Senate-House. All guests needed to hold a ticket and were asked to take a sit before the students came in. We were also requested to refrain from taking photos and videos. There was an official order of proceedings and formal announcements were read before the start of the conferment of degrees.

I was very amazed to see every student called up by their name and kneel before the Vice-Chancellor with hands together enclosed in his hands. A Latin formula was read aloud to every candidate. The newly graduate then rose, took one step back, bowed to the Vice-Chancellor and left the Senate House. I could hear some parents blowing their nose behind me and I also got emotional when my friend Lola

received her degree. It is such an amazing University and I kept thinking of how their time there must have been as well as of the career opportunities these kids will have.

At the end all new graduates gathered outside the Senate-House and with their best smile and incredible pride they all joined in the celebration of their lifetime achievement!

Written by Alessandra Gnudi. Alessandra is FOCUS Executive Director.

For more information about FOCUS, visit: www.focus-info.org