SOUTHAMPTON University's winter graduation event returns to the city centre today for the first time in more than 60 years.
The achievements of more than 1,000 students will take centre stage at the 02 Guildhall, with a total of nine ceremonies taking place over the next three days.
Winter graduation ceremonies were held at the Guildhall before being moved to the Highfield Campus following the opening of the Turner Sims concert venue.
A summer ceremony took place in August 1992, when Sir David Attenborough received an honorary degree in conjunction with Southampton Science Festival.
This week students will join university dignitaries on stage at the Guildhall, with other celebrations taking place on Highfield Campus.
Professor Mark Smith, the university's vice-chancellor, said: "Graduation at Southampton is a truly memorable occasion and a chance to give well-deserved recognition to every student for their hard work and dedication.
"We are incredibly proud to be part of the Southampton community so everyone at the university is very excited to see the return of graduation to the city centre.
"I wish every one of our graduating cohort the very best for the future."
Katherine Zhiru Zhuang, who is graduating with a Masters in film and cultural management, said: "Southampton came highly recommended as a city and university.
"So much of what I had previously learned focused on Japanese cinema, so I was very pleased to see this course included cinema from Hong Kong and South Korea as well as the practical side of the industry, such as distribution.
"I’ve really enjoyed my time at the University of Southampton and I am very proud to graduate.
Other graduates celebrating their achievements include Kirsty Keiper, who has completed a Midwifery degree with a first.
She said: "I have had plenty of support and I feel so lucky to have been able to study here. I’ve really enjoyed my placements. To get hands-on experience is so important.
"I cannot believe I have managed to complete my training and now working in my dream job."
The ceremonies will take place a stone’s throw from the university's John Hansard Gallery and the Sir James Matthews Building, which it acquired earlier this year.
Both venues ensure students are provided with facilities and opportunities in the centre of Southampton.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.
Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.
You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.
Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.
Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook
Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article