Almost 6,000 Durham University students have celebrated their graduation, in a week of ceremonies marking our Summer Congregation 2024.
From June 26 to July 3, the historic Durham Cathedral played host to 24 ceremonies across all four of our faculties, 27 departments and 17 colleges, with graduating students joined by friends and relatives from around the world.
The Summer Congregation transformed Durham into a hub of celebration, where students celebrated their success in 37 different subjects.
Our Chancellor, Dr Fiona Hill and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O’Brien were among senior University representatives presiding over the ceremonies, attended by over 17,000 guests.
We also recognised six exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their professional fields, by granting honorary degrees.
Honorary degrees were conferred upon botanist Dr Margaret Bradshaw MBE (Doctor of Science); journalist Hunter Davies OBE (Doctor of Letters); human rights advocate Dr Dalee Sambo Dorough (Doctor of Civil Law); computer scientist Anne-Marie Imafidon MBE (Doctor of Science); librarian Richard Ovenden OBE (Doctor of Letters); and businessman James Timpson OBE (Doctor of Science).
In a new addition to this year's Congregation, eight successful graduates and University community members were honoured as celebrants.
They included Natasha Boulding, co-founder of Low Carbon Materials, a previous finalist in His Royal Highness Prince William’s Earthshot Prize, and former Professor of Physics Douglas Halliday.
This has been another wonderful Congregation week. I have enjoyed congratulating our graduating students, meeting many friends and relatives, and celebrating and thanking our honorary graduates and celebrants. Durham students benefit from a transformative, research-led education and go on to accomplish outstanding things all around the world. We wish them well, look forward to hearing of their achievements, and invite them to keep in touch, making a lifelong connection to Durham.
Summer congregation 2024
From left: Our Vice-Chancellor, Chancellor and Academic Registrar
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