Despite the odds , we made it happen !
4 .
First outdoor graduation celebration is a hit .
The restrictions imposed by the pandemic have required QMU to demonstrate great agility in adapting to constant change . Absolutely nothing has been straightforward , but we ' ve shown that almost anything is possible with great teamwork and a positive attitude .
After the disappointment of being unable to hold our traditional graduation ceremony in the Usher Hall in 2020 , we were determined that another year would not pass without providing the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021 with the opportunity to mark their achievements .
Creating an entirely new format , which complied with everchanging government restrictions and would meet the needs of student and their families , was never going to be easy . However , we adopted the attitude of ' just because something is difficult , doesn ' t mean we shouldn ' t do it !' When most other universities had initially cancelled graduation , we set about working out how we could create a safe , celebratory outdoor event which , at the very least , would give students the chance to wear their gowns , have their graduation photos taken and celebrate their success with graduate friends , family and academics .
It was not without its challenges - at one point , we questioned whether we should or even could continue with our plans ! But , with committed teamwork across our Events , Registry , Students ' Union , Estates and Communications teams ( and a whole lot more ), we delivered nine graduation celebrations over three gloriously sunny days in July .
Sun split the skies each day , and our campus grounds looked incredible ! When we saw the smiles and heard the laughter of students celebrating their success with their families , we knew we ' d made the right decision . ❒
1 . Blowing bubbles - our Dean of the School of Arts , Social Sciences and Management , Professor David Stevenson , never misses a chance to celebrate .
2 . In what is now a time-honoured QMU graduation tradition , the Preston Lodge High School pipe band was on hand to kick things off in style !
3 . We raised a glass to celebrate the Class of 2021 , and the Class of 2020 .
18 QMYOU / Graduation