This year’s summer graduation is fast approaching, with ceremonies held between 14-18 July here in Bath.
As our brand-new alumni prepare for the monumental day, no doubt brimming with a mixture of nerves and excitement, we’re taking the opportunity to reminisce.
We asked you to share memories of your graduation day. Here’s what you said.
Linda Fortnam via LinkedIn
“I graduated in 1992 (European Studies French and Italian), and my strongest memory is sharing a huge smile with my personal tutor, Wendy Everett, as I crossed the stage. Sadly, there’s no photo of that moment, but I do have a lovely photo of me with the incomparable Roberta Tozer afterwards.
Moving forward to 2024 and I had another wonderful Bath moment when my son, Will Fortnam, graduated with an MEng in Chemical Engineering. Thank you, Bath.”
Harry Brett-Jones via LinkedIn
“I graduated in 1987. My favourite memory was the Chancellor saying “I create you Bachelor of Science” hundreds of times that day but with total authenticity and authority every time. It turned what could have been a very formulaic ceremony into something truly special.”
Mary Langford via LinkedIn
“I graduated in December 1997 and the ceremony was in the Assembly Rooms just before Christmas with a small brass band in the minstrel's gallery. My parents came from the US to help celebrate (I missed my BA graduation in the US and my parents were in Iran and could not come).
That Bath graduation was so special, and as we came out afterwards into the Bath winter evening, it was snowing. It was positively Jane Austen!”
Finn McEwan-Paterson via LinkedIn
“In 2023 the rain was absolutely pouring down. We looked more like drowned rats than smart graduates.”
Ali Bevan
"I have such lovely memories of my graduation ceremony and reception in July 2000 – I think my dad still has his ticket at home somewhere! It was a very hot and sunny day, and campus looked spectacular.
I remember how nervous I was about going up on stage to receive my certificate – worried I might trip or doff my cap at the wrong time – but thankfully, there were no Bridget Jones moments to report!
Leaving was bittersweet. These were the days before social media, and as I got into the car, I remember feeling sad that I might not see many of these people again, as this chapter closed and we all set off on new adventures. I also didn’t know when I’d next return to Bath, which made me emotional.
Bath holds such special memories. Thankfully, I’m still here (even working at the University!), and the close friends I made during my time here are always keen to return for reunions."
Ed Peters via Facebook
"I graduated in 1976 with a degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering. My parents came over from Youngwood, PA in the USA. It was a very hot summer. Cracks about 20cm wide appeared in the Parade Gardens.
Mom made us all American flag shirts as it was the USA Bicentennial. I had to chuckle for while I was at Bath, the city was celebrating Monarchy 1000.
Dad played his banjo at a picnic held to celebrate graduation and my friend Phil Martin’s 21st birthday. Phil received “The Bumps” from four of his mates. My wife, daughter, and I had a glorious 10-day visit to Bath with Phil and his wife Ruth in celebration of my 70th birthday in September 2024."
John Coulthard via LinkedIn
“I am slightly envious of the other posters. In the summer of '97, my graduation ceremony was...on the indoor tennis courts. And the grad ball was...on campus!”
Theresa PB via Facebook
“Iris Murdoch got an honorary doctorate the year I got my BSc in Economics. I was intrigued by her work and hadn't read any of it then, but later I realised what a wonderful writer she was.
It was a well-deserved award, more so than mine. I'd done the absolute minimum academically at Bath, but had a great time. I was ashamed of my 2.2. I made up for it later, with two master’s degrees with distinction and a PhD.”
Russ Sims via Facebook
"This is BSc Chemistry 1978. The group is a mixture of three-year students and four-year (sandwich) students. I am on the far right. Between the two years there were only about 60 starters!"
Dr Nick Young via LinkedIn
“Having special needs, I never thought I would go to university. I ended up with a MEng (1999) and PhD (2003) both from Bath. I loved my time there.
I remember someone (perhaps the Vice-Chancellor?) giving a rather hilarious speech in '99. The '03 graduation was made bit more special by me being the first PhD student of my supervisors to graduate.
What I would say to all graduating is 'don't doubt or underestimate yourself, you can achieve anything.' Hope you all enjoy your day.”
Good luck to everyone graduating later this month. We look forward to giving you a very warm welcome to your alumni community. To share your story, ask questions or update your details, please contact advancement@bath.ac.uk.
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