Then and now gallery: Your graduation memories

Posted on: 30 August 2024 by Development and Alumni Relations team in 2024

We recently celebrated the incredible achievements of our Class of 2024 at our summer graduations. We know this time of year may bring back memories of your own graduation day, so we invited you to share some of your photos and memories of this time. Hear from your fellow graduates about what they remember of their own special days.

Lorna reflected on her career since graduating, explaining that her degree gave her a, “solid foundation in life sciences that enabled me to secure a postgrad in nutrition and dietetics, seven years in the NHS led to career in industry and medtech commercialisation and investment roles. I went back into the NHS at an executive level focused on innovation which inspired the idea for LYVA Labs. I now work back in the heart of the Knowledge Quarter with an office overlooking my old biochemistry building!”

Msc Sustainable and Civil Structural Engineering graduate, Aiswarya Naduvilayil, now works at Balfour Beatty as a Tunnel Engineer. Aiswarya described graduation as “a proud day of my life. It was not an easy decision to come all the way from India without my family to UK and continue my studies. But with the support and encouragement offered by UOL gave me that courage.”

Physics graduate Joseph Crombie shared his professional graduation photo from 1973. Joseph went on to become a Partner at IBM Global Business Services. Now retired, Joseph reflected on his degree saying his course prepared him by learning “disciplines whilst studying technical content”.

MSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence graduate Kunal Dudhe said, “my master's graduation ceremony is one of my most precious memories as it was the day I got the chance to spend some beautiful time with many of my friends.” He now works at BT Group.

Haochen Hua, now works as a Professor at Hohai University, China after gaining a BSc and PhD from the University. Haochen reflected on the warm weather of his PhD graduation day, remembering how he was “soaked with sweat inside and out!” but also adding that his PhD studies “laid a solid foundation” for his current research work at Hohai University.

Eilis Coffey graduated in 1969 with a degree in Ancient and Mediaeval History and Archaeology, before having a long career as a history teacher.

For MSc Marketing graduate Alexandra Flynn, her time at University came full circle when she returned to the University to take up the position as Deputy Head of Postgraduate Marketing. She said, “My studies gave me the confidence I needed to apply for new jobs.”

Class of 1968 Biochemistry graduate John Smuts shared his fond memories of graduating as he headed “down to the ‘Phil’ afterwards to celebrate”. John went on to gain a role in a medical laboratory in Brisbane before achieving further qualifications as a Clinical Biochemist. He’s now enjoying his retirement on the Sunshine Coast in Australia.

For master's of Public Health graduate Aminat Tijani, graduating was bittersweet. As Aminat “felt a mix of relief from all the studying and assignment deadlines, but also sadness knowing I would miss walking to class, my plush apartment, the Liverpool library, and the entire vibe of Merseyside. Liverpool will always be my second home.” Aminat now works at Akena Health.

Apeksha Ashok Kencharaddi graduated with a MSc in International Business, reflecting on her day she said: “I was the first female from my family who had a fantastic journey in achieving a milestone that I always dreamt, hence was definitely a dream come true moment.”

Finance graduate Lasya Tammu made sure to get a picture outside the Sydney Jones, a place that was spent “pulling all-nighters with friends. Those nights were honestly the most stressful but also memorable nights of my university life.” Lasya is now working as an Account Assistant at Tri Star Medicals.

MBA graduate Laifeng Xie reflected on graduating in 2016, saying, “although the winter in Liverpool is cold, our hearts are warm.” Laifeng said a Liverpool degree, “broadened my horizons and enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of the global economy, society, humanities, and history.”

Biomedical Engineering with Healthcare graduate Madhumitha Rajesh Pillai, recalls “the best memory is how all of my classmates enjoyed each and every corner of the campus including myself knowing that was the day we get to relive as an international student.”

MBA Marketing graduate Mohamed Hayka recalled graduating in 2011, saying “it was my first time visiting Liverpool, walking in its famous streets, taking pictures of its streets and campus buildings, and getting to know some of graduated students.” Mohamend is founder & CEO of Modamore and Partners.

Nnamdi Menakaya graduated with a master’s in Public Health in 2015. Nnamdi said, “My wife was also there to share in the joy of the beautiful graduation ceremony.” Nnamdi now works as a Medicine and Occupational Health Lead.

Samson Adedeji Adeniyi reflected on graduating with a DBA in 2022, 9 years after first graduating with an MBA from the University. Samson said, “Achieving one of the highest levels of academic success at the University of Liverpool brings about an indescribable feeling of nostalgia.” Samson now works as Group Managing Director at Toptech Engineering Ltd.

Bryan Soliman didn’t actually attend his graduation for his MSc in Information Technology as he’s based in Canada, but he said, “I had fun time having my classes and sharing my technical knowledge with my classmates.”

Danial Riahi Mahabadi graduated with an MSc in Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Digital Transformation and describes graduating as “one of the most the most unforgettable moments of my life. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and a hint of nostalgia.” Danial now works as an Electrosonic BIM Technician and credits a Liverpool degree for providing “the technical expertise and critical thinking abilities” need for the role.

Class of 2015 master's of Public Health graduate Arsene Binanga Yambamba now works as National Director at Tulane International, a subsidiary of Tulane University. Arsene said the course gave him “more confidence when discussing public health issues and programme development.”

Thanks to all our graduates for sharing their memories and photographs. And thanks to our graduates who shared some of their favourite snaps of their days too. Including…

Bhavani Suryadevara who graduated with an MSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence this year.

Ali Merhej who received an MSc Science in Clinical Research Administration in 2012.

Fawaz Alotaibi, Partnerships Manager at Emdad Al Khebrat graduated with a Master’s in Project Management in 2023 and brought along the cutest guest.

Fulvio Del Barba who now works at Kier Construction as Senior Digital Construction Coordinator graduated with an MSc Building Information Modelling in 2017.

Heero Qahraman now works at J. Murphy and Sons Limited after graduating with a BEng in Civil Engineering in 2021.

Our graduates also shared their memories antidotally…

• William Bradley, Veterinary Sciences graduate from the Class of 1963, reflected on a varied career and told us studying at Liverpool, “gave me a good background to develop my career from veterinary practice through to research in pharmaceutical drug development and finally reviewing non-medical evidence for submission to regulatory authorities around the world for potential authorisation for public use.” William is now retired.
• French and German lanuages Class of 1984 graduate Simon Rothwell told us he went on to work as a languages teacher for 30 years and also worked in the European and World Aquatics Federations.
• Chemistry graduate Martin Rigg, worked in hazardous waste management, before becoming a Pastor at a local church.
• Since leaving Liverpool in 1990, German with Dutch graduate Nicola Chadwick has worked in the Netherlands in publishing, translation, journalism and communications. Including working for Radio Netherlands Worldwide.
• Ramazan Keser is now working as an Electrical Engineer at Turkish Electricity Distribution Company after studying a MSc in Energy and Power Systems.
• MSc Finance Class of 2023 graduate Ujjawal Mittal said, “One of my most cherished memories from graduation day was the presence of my mentor, Mr. Greg. I gathered the courage to invite him to my graduation ceremony. To my delight, he accepted. Seeing him there on that momentous day was incredibly special.”
• Bryan Lau graduated with a master's in Operations and Supply Chain Management in 2019 and spoke about visiting Liverpool for the first time. Bryan said, “Meeting [my professors and peers] in person during graduation was a great honour. It was wonderful to see Liverpool for the first time.”
• MBA graduate Carmen Meyer and Marketing Director of Diamed GmbH / Bio-Rad Laboratories said of the course, “The MBA helped me to better analyze and decide in my daily business when taking strategic and tactical actions.”

Thanks to everyone for sharing their graduation reflections. We hope it’s brought back some of your happy memories of your graduation day too!