Congratulations to our 2013 summer graduands

Monday, 01 July 2013

This week, nearly 3,500 students will graduate from the University in the Great Hall at the London Road campus.

Many members of staff will give their time voluntarily to help at the ceremonies on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from marshalling and stewarding to manning the information desk. A huge thank you to everyone involved.

Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell said: "Graduation is an emotional occasion for students and their families, as well as for staff at the University. It is a proud moment as we celebrate the achievements of those whom we have guided and supported over the years. My congratulations go to all who are graduating over the coming days, coupled with my grateful thanks to all members of staff involved in this week's ceremonies."

Staff, students, friends and families will, once again, be able to watch the graduation ceremonies live online. If you will be tweeting about graduation, don't forget to use the hashtag #rdggrad.

Watch live online >>> [available from Wednesday 3 July] 

Students with queries about graduation should be directed to the Graduation website.

Honorary degree 2013

On Wednesday 3 July Paul Lindley, CEO and Founder of Ella's Kitchen Limited, will receive an honorary degree. Ella's Kitchen is an organic baby food manufacturer based in Henley-on-Thames that has achieved phenomenal growth in just seven years; by mid-2011 they had a 14% market share of the UK baby food sector, making it one of the fastest growing companies in the UK. The University has worked with Ella's Kitchen on two Knowledge Transfer Projects looking at the psychology of their consumers and investigating the raw materials they use in their products. Ella's Kitchen has been sold to US food giant Hain Celestial this year. Paul Lindley will be presented for the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Christine Williams at the 12.00 noon ceremony.

Alumnus of the year 2013

On Thursday 4 July BBC Radio 1 film critic and Reading graduate Rhianna Dillon will receive the Alumnus of the year award 2013. The 'Alumnus of the Year' Award was established in 2008 to recognise the outstanding achievements of individuals who have graduated from the University of Reading. Rhianna graduated from the University of Reading in 2011 with a BA in English and Film & Theatre. She started working for Radio 1 as a film critic in her final year at Reading and her reviews are now heard by over five million people. Rhianna Dhillon will be presented for the award by Professor Lib Taylor at the 12 noon ceremony. 

Gold Star Awards

Each year, Reading University Students' Union (RUSU) invites students to nominate members of staff whom they feel have had a great impact on their learning whilst at University. This year's eight winners will be honoured over the course of our three graduation days.

Read more about the winners >>>

Parking disruptions

Whiteknights

A reminder that traffic arrangements on and around campus will be disrupted during the three Graduation Days (Wednesday 3 - Friday 5 July). Car parks 2, 7 and the contractors' car park on Queen's Drive (as well as the grassed area to the rear of the sports centre depending on the weather) may also be used for the event.

As a result these car parks will be closed to staff on all three days and there is likely to be disruption to parking and traffic around the Whiteknights campus. Please try and avoid bringing your car to Whiteknights if you can. 

London Road

There will be no car parking spaces available at London Road for staff during the graduation period.

This is for safety reasons, as the shuttle buses between Whiteknights and London Road will be dropping off and picking up in Acacia Road and vehicle access to the London Road site will be restricted to bus use only. Access to the Crown Place/Whitegates car park at London Road will also be restricted for the duration of graduation.

If you need to travel to London Road from Whiteknights (and back) please use the free shuttle bus service which will operate between Queen's Drive at Whiteknights and Acacia Road at regular intervals throughout the three days of graduation.