With much pomp and ceremony, Shrewsbury’s new university celebrated its graduation ceremony in September. University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) welcomed its first group of undergraduates three years ago.
Dr Gyles Brandreth, Chancellor of the University of Chester, which established UCS in a joint venture with Shropshire Council, led a procession through the town centre before the ceremony at St Chad’s Church and presented students with their certificates. Town centre traders supported the event with congratulatory posters in their windows while onlookers watched the procession.
Dr Brandreth says, “It was a wonderful day and a truly historic occasion for University Centre Shrewsbury, Shropshire and the higher education world in general. These graduates are pioneers and it was fitting to see them celebrating the culmination of three years’ hard work in front of their families, friends, university staff and the wider Shrewsbury community.”
Provost of UCS Prof Anna Sutton, said the inaugural graduation was a significant milestone for the institution: “UCS is going from strength to strength. As our first students celebrate their success, we have just welcomed our biggest cohort of new undergraduates who are starting their journey with us.”
