Thousands of students heading to arena for graduation ceremonies
PEOPLE are being advised to avoid Pride Park at peak times as thousands of students and their families and friends descend on Derby Arena to take part in a series of graduation ceremonies.
The University of Derby has warned those taking part in the eight ceremonies between today and Friday to allow plenty of time for journeys because of possible congestion, and to share cars where possible.
Park and Ride services 4 and 4a run from Derby bus station to the venue, and a free shuttle bus will be available before and after the ceremonies each day to and from Derby railway station. Graduates will get dressed in their pre-ordered gowns at Pride Park Stadium on each of the three days before heading across to the arena for the ceremonies.
Graduates are expected to start arriving at around 8am to collect their gowns before registering at the arena between 8.15am and 9.45am for the morning ceremonies, which start at 10am and last for around an hour. The afternoon graduates are expected to start arriving for gowning-up from noon, registration from 12.30pm to 1.45pm, with a 2pm start and 3pm finish.
As well as in the region of 3,000 students graduating, there will also be honorary degrees awarded to seven notable people who either have connections with the local area or have achieved eminence in their careers. They include:
Captain Harpreet Chandi MBE – British army officer and physiotherapist from Derby (Honorary Master of the University)
Shaun Dellenty – award-winning advocate in the field of LGBT+ rights and education (Honorary Doctor of Education)
Liam Sharp – Derby-born publisher, artist and writer of comics and novels (Honorary Doctor of the University)
Amarjit Raju – award-winning chief executive of Disability Direct and published author (Honorary Doctor of the University)
Lydia Thompson – member of the England Women’s rugby union team and University of Derby graduate (Honorary Master of the University)
Her Honour Judge Nirmal Shant QC – Resident judge at Derby Crown Court (Honorary Doctor of the University)
Peter Smith – a founder of law firm Smith Partnership and founding chair of the Derby Museums Trust (Honorary Master of the University)
They will be presented with their degree during one of the ceremonies, except the fifth, according to their specialisms.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell, vicechancellor of the University of Derby, said: “This is an opportunity to recognise and thank those inspirational people who have helped contribute to our university, city and county. The positive impact this year’s honorands have made is significant, so we are delighted to be able to acknowledge that.
“Graduation is such an important milestone for our students, their families and guests. It is the culmination of years of hard work and provides an opportunity for our students to reflect on what they have achieved and celebrate the efforts they have put into their studies during their time at university.
“Congratulations to everyone that will be graduating, we cannot wait to celebrate with you.”
The three-day celebrations start on Tuesday evening with a special service of evensong at Derby Cathedral starting at 6pm through to 8pm. The service will be attended by representatives of other faiths and will include participation from various traditions.
At the event, there will be a display of student artwork from the School of Arts and refreshments will be served after the service. Everyone is welcome to attend and tickets are not required.