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University of Suffolk graduations set to begin in Ipswich with honorary degree recipients including Ipswich Town FC manager Kieran McKenna




Graduation week kicks off at the University of Suffolk this weekend, with thousands of students being conferred degrees across a week of ceremonies.

University of Suffolk students based at East Coast College receive their degrees in a ceremony at Great Yarmouth Minister today, with ceremonies at Ipswich Waterfront beginning on Saturday morning.

This year, more than 5,300 students will be conferred degrees across ceremonies from Saturday to Wednesday evening in a specially-erected marquee on the Waterfront, where they will be joined by family, friends and staff to celebrate their achievements.

Graduating students at the University of Suffolk in 2023. Picture: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography
Graduating students at the University of Suffolk in 2023. Picture: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography

The ceremonies will award degrees to students based at the university and its partners, including London School of Commerce, UNICAF, UNITAS, Suffolk New College, Hanbridge Institute, LD Training and a number of teacher training partners.

In addition, five honorary degrees will also be awarded across the week, with recipients including Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna and Olympic swimmer Michael Read.

Boshor Ali, founder member and subsequent chair of BSC Multicultural Services, previously known as the Bangladeshi Support Centre, will be recognised for his 25 years addressing poverty, exclusion and health inequalities tomorrow afternoon.

Boshor Ali, founder of BSC Multicultural Services. Picture: Anglia Picture Agency
Boshor Ali, founder of BSC Multicultural Services. Picture: Anglia Picture Agency

He will be followed by Wetherden-raised Sir Diarmaid MacCulloch, a prize-winning author and historian whose work includes books on topics such as Christianity and Thomas Cromwell, tomorrow evening.

Professor Sir Diarmaid MacCulloch will join the class of 2024. Picture: UoS
Professor Sir Diarmaid MacCulloch will join the class of 2024. Picture: UoS

On Monday, Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE will be recognised for his work which includes chairing organisations such as Healthwatch England, Dementia UK and the Royal College of Physicians.

David Croisdale-Appleby OBE will join the class of 2024. PIcture: UoS
David Croisdale-Appleby OBE will join the class of 2024. PIcture: UoS

Ipswich Town Football Club manager Kieran McKenna will be honoured on Monday evening for securing back-to-back promotions for the club over the previous two seasons from League One to the Premier League.

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna. Picture: Barry Goodwin

Former Olympic swimmer Michael Read OBE will conclude the honorary degrees this year, with his honour acknowledging his 33 Channel swims and support for the last 22 years for the restoration of Broomhill Lido in Ipswich.

Michael Read MBE will join the class of 2024. Picture: UoS
Michael Read MBE will join the class of 2024. Picture: UoS

Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Suffolk, said: “Graduation week is always an extremely important time for us to celebrate the fantastic achievements of our graduands as they commence the next steps of their career or further study.

“Joining them will be their individual ‘support crews’ of family and friends, as well as the university staff who have made this journey possible, together creating a truly special atmosphere on the Waterfront.

“We send our warmest congratulations to everyone graduating this week; look forward to seeing their successful progression and to keeping in touch.”

The graduation ceremonies will be livestreamed in the campus bar, Mix, as well as on the university’s website throughout the week.