University of Hertfordshire: Over 4.5k students to visit St Albans

Students from over 165 courses will attend ceremonies at the city's cathedral between today (February 19) and Friday (February 23).

Botswana's first ever PhD student in astrophysics, an award-winning midwife and the winner of the High Sheriff's Community Award 2023 will all be celebrating.

Graduations will run from Monday to Friday this week. (Image: University of Hertfordshire)

Upon becoming the first Botswanan PhD student in astrophysics, Dr Kushatha Ntwaetsile said: "I want to be a pioneer in bringing astrophysics to Botswana, by being at the forefront of such a massive project like the SKA (Square Kilometre Array).

“I am hoping in a couple of years our team will be able to deliver the first radio observatory in Botswana.”

More than 4,500 students will attend St Albans Cathedral. (Image: Archant)

Vice-chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, Professor Quintin McKellar, said: “Graduation is the culmination of a great deal of hard work, determination and passion, and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the many achievements of our students and staff.

"I want to congratulate each and every one of our ‘Class of 2023’ on their marvellous success for getting to this milestone moment, and for the immense contribution they have made to Herts.

“I hope everyone is extremely proud of themselves and leaves the wonderful St Albans Abbey with their heads held high, ready to take their next steps towards a prosperous and fulfilling future. I wish every one of our graduates every success.”

A University of Hertfordshire graduation ceremony in 2023. (Image: University of Hertfordshire)

A number of former University of Hertfordshire members who are no longer with us will also be honoured, including award-winning poet and “shining light” in the University’s academic community Gboyega Odubanjo.

Professor McKellar added: “We are proud to also be able to recognise a number of our students posthumously and look forward to equally commemorating each of their achievements.

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"This includes Gboyega Odubanjo, who was a gifted poet and shining light in the University of Hertfordshire academic community and beyond.

"Our thoughts continue to go out to all loved ones impacted by these tragic losses.”

The university recently celebrated fantastic feedback from this year’s graduating students in the National Student Survey (NSS), placing first among East of England universities, and 26th nationally according to The Times Higher Education’s overall positivity score.