There was a truly global feel to degree ceremonies at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) today with graduates from around the world celebrating their achievements.
Kennedy (second left) with fellow graduates
Many had travelled thousands of miles to come and study at DMU while others talked about the incredible time they had through overseas trips organised by the pioneering #DMUglobal programme and international placements offered by their courses.
The graduates from the Faculty of Business and Law were also a perfect illustration of why DMU’s current #loveinternational campaign is so important, showing that, in light of the Brexit vote, the university will continue to welcome international students and staff with open arms while opposing prejudice and discrimination of any form.
DMU is home to students from more than 130 nations and 3,000 students have been on #DMUglobal trips to over 60 countries.
Krupa and her proud family
Olaf Marti, 23, from Spain, has graduated with a BA (Hons) in Business Management, and plans to further his studies in Tokyo.
He spent three years at DMU and said: “It has been such a valuable experience. I think my time at DMU has enabled me to learn and grow and evolve as a person. I am now planning to further my studies at Keio University in Tokyo. I turned down job offers in Sweden and Spain but I have no commitments at the moment so it is a case of now or never to go to Japan.”
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Kennedy Boateng, 22, from Ghana, also graduated in Business and Management. He, among others, was wearing a brightly patterned sash that his friend had brought over from Ghana, with the words “Class of 2016” embroidered into it.
Kennedy explained: “It is made out of an authentic material called Kente and celebrates home. I feel relieved that I have graduated. The course was demanding at times but it was very good.”
Zainab Ali, 20, from Bahrain, had her family travel over to Leicester to see her graduate with a BA in Human Resource Management. She said: "The ceremony was amazing. Everything was just on point. It is so nice having everyone here to see me graduate. It is my dad's first time at DMU and he said how he could see so many people from so many cultures here. It has added to my experience at DMU."
Zaina with her aunties, her dad Hossain, mum Manal and brother Salman
David Nguyen, 23, from Hampton, spent four years at DMU to gain his degree in Business Management. He had two outstanding international experiences thanks to DMU – a year studying in Spain as part of his course and then a two month placement in China through #DMUglobal.
David (centre) with fellow graduates
David said: “They have been two of the best experiences I have ever had . The course was challenging but I really enjoyed it. How I felt during the ceremony is hard to explain. It created quite a buzz and I got the chills when the DMU Gospel Choir sang Hallelujah.”
Krupa Joshi, 21, had three generations of her family come and celebrate her graduation in Business and Management – Grandma, mum and dad and older sister. Her grandmother arrived in the UK from Kenya 14 days after Krupa was born and, 21 years later, Krupa is now the first granddaughter she has seen graduate.
Krupa, who graduated with a First, said: “It is a really proud moment and a privilege to have my family here with me. The ceremony was excellent. Really down to earth, connected with everyone and really enjoyable.”
Lanting Li, 22, from China, got a First in Accounting and Finance, said: "Leicester is a beautiful city and DMU is a truly international university. The ceremony was great - the music, the lighting, all of it really."
Posted on Friday 22 July 2016