Thousands prepare to celebrate as they graduate from QUB
THIS morning marks the start of the winter graduations at Queen’s University, Belfast.
Among the 2,000 people receiving degrees in the ceremony are those from the School of Mathematics and Physics, School of Nursing and Midwifery, and the two teacher training colleges, St Mary’s University College and Stranmillis University College.
This afternoon will see the turn of graduates from the School of Arts, English and Languages, School of Biological Sciences, School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and the School of Law.
Among the graduates is human rights advocate Dinara Dildabekova, from Astana, Kazakhstan, who will return to Queen’s today to receive a Master’s in Human Rights Law.
Dinara has secured a post with Unicef’s country office and provides expert support to the Institute of Child Rights Ombudsman in Kazakhstan.
She recently helped to organise an international major child rights conference, Child-friendly Kazakhstan, which took place at the landmark Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Astana.
Dinara received the Chevening scholarship for her studies at Queen’s. The programme is central government’s international awards scheme and is aimed at developing global leaders.
Speaking ahead of her graduation, Dinara described her time at the university as one of the most memorable of her life.
“Studying at Queen’s was an amazing academic journey towards developing research and analytical skills,” she said.
“My time spent in Belfast was one of the memorable parts of my life, and the best outcome that I have achieved has been joining UNICEF after completing my studies.”
The Belfast Telegraph is carrying the names of every graduate across today and tomorrow’s editions, and there is further coverage of the graduations on www. belfasttelegraph.co.uk.