Gallery: Your graduation throwback moments

Posted on: 25 June 2025 in Community

graduate in academic dress

As we celebrated the Class of 2025 at this year’s summer graduation, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the generations of graduates who came before them. We asked you to share your own photos from your graduation day, along with your words of wisdom for our graduating Class of 2025.

Take a trip down memory lane with us and see how graduation has changed from the 1960s to the 2020s.

1960s

John Smuts (BSc Ord Chemistry 1968)

John is pictured in our featured image.

Vern Lester, Brian Roberts, Guy Pharaon, Lloyd Beaumont 1967 - 1969

The group of dentists qualified '67 to '69 hold an annual reunion. As students they shared a house in the Lark Lane area.

1970s

Ann Limb DBE DL (BA Hons French 1975)

image of a person in academic dress

"Don’t try and imagine yourself in 50 years’ time! This is my graduation picture from 1975. Now it’s 2025. I could never have imagined that I would have the amazing career, life, and experiences that I’ve had since I left university. Be kind. Be bold. Be open to the Light from wherever it comes."

Dave Armstrong (BEng Hons Mechanical Engineering 1975)

"I'd like to share a photo with you of my graduation, 50 years ago, but I can't because I petulantly didn't attend. It is only now after seeing both my boys graduate do I realise what I denied my parents. Remember that they will have had a large part in getting you there and all the ensuing support. Let them enjoy it."

1990s

Katy-Ann Webb (BN Hons Nursing 1997)

graduate in academic dress

"You’ll meet friends for life and make the most lasting memories. Embrace all that the beautiful city has to offer, look at the architecture, walk the streets and make history. You’ll never forget those street names and the memories they hold. Liverpool will forever hold a place in your heart."

Julia Sayle (BA Hons French 1998)

four people

"I was a mature student with children of the same age as my fellow students. It was great fun to study and socialise with the younger students. Teaching staff were particularly encouraging throughout my studying. The experience at a later stage of life has ensured that everything is possible and I have strived to help others in this way. Enjoy life, make the most of all experiences and share with others."

2000s

Peter Ruddick (BA Hons Politics 2008)

graduate in academic dress

"Congratulations to you all! Enjoy this moment and recognise all the hard work you've put in. Never forget what you've learned in Liverpool. Always stay humble and help others. This is the beginning of a very exciting chapter. Good luck!"

2010s

Hudson Paul Katumba (Business Administration 2015)

person wearing a suit

"It's so great to have completed your studies from such a prestigious UK university none other than the University of Liverpool. It is recognisable and respected throughout the world. I wish you the best in all your endeavours."

Nor Diana Mohd Roslan (LLB Hons 2016)

graduate in academic dress in front of a red brick building

"Congratulations. The future is wide open. As you step into the next chapter, remember that success isn’t measured by titles or pay cheques, but by the courage to stay true to your values and the impact you leave behind."

K. Aristide Fabrice Kouame (MBA 2016)

graduate in academic dress

"This an important milestones UoL-er! Now, be an ambassador of our great knowledge temple! Congratulations!"

Janet Ndau (MSc Financial Investment and Management 2018)

graduate in academic dress

"Your hard work and discipline will pay off. There's a distinction in your quality of work after you graduate that other people notice. So keep going, keep working hard and aim for the stars. You have the tools now, just put them to use."

Suad Al Ishaqi (DBA 2018)

graduate in academic dress

"Congratulations on one additional step in learning and remember that life is a learning journey and every stage is an opportunity to grow and gain new levels of knowledge. Never stop learning and never think you will have enough of it."

Yewande Olaiya-Oni (MSc Project Management 2019)

graduate in academic dress

"The experience is unparalleled, and the network associated with the alumni is great. I did an online study, it was initially hard doing it with my day job, but it was so fulfilling when I was done, and I walked the stage for my graduation. It is worth all the sacrifice, and you can do it too if I can."

2020s

Aarav Bhansali (MiM)

graduate in academic dress

"You came from different corners of the world, faced unfamiliar streets, part-time shifts, silent struggles, and long nights of doubt and yet here you are, standing proud. This isn’t just a degree, it’s proof of your resilience, courage, and growth. Let this be a reminder: you can face anything, because you already have. The world is wide open now — go chase it."

Pranjal Pandya (MSc. Business Analytics and Big Data 2022)

graduate in academic dress in front of a red brick building

"Just enjoy your time in this beautiful city. Being in Liverpool for 2 years were the best years of my life. Covid did spoil some of it but I can still say that I cherished every moment spent in the University and this beautiful city."

Chilotam Chibundu (DBA 2022)

graduate in academic dress

"Huge congratulations and welcome to the team of achievers. Your hard work has paid off. Enjoy your new level and world of endless opportunities your academic achievement will open up for you."

Deekshita Vidhyashankar (MSc International Business 2023)

graduate in academic dress

"Make moves that scare you a little. That’s where the good stuff starts because let’s be real, it’s always better to be an 'oops' than a 'what if'!"

Fawaz Alotaibi (MSc Project Management 2023)

graduate in academic dress holding a child

"The real opportunity lies in learning from the entire journey. The future — and good fortune — belong to those who work hard and stay consistent. My advice to you is to commit to continuous, determined effort, and to fully embrace the experience — culturally, academically, and professionally."

Nada Al Balushi (PgCert Veterinary Business Management 2023)

graduate in academic dress

"As a proud alumna of the University of Liverpool, I want to say this is just the beginning. You’ve made it through the challenges, the growth, the learning curves... and now it’s time to step boldly into your next chapter. Never underestimate the power of your journey, and always stay curious! Congratulations—you’ve earned every bit of this moment."

Kevin John Mathew (MSc Data Science and AI 2023)

graduate in academic dress in front of a red brick building

You’re stepping into a world that’s changing faster than ever and that’s not something to fear. It’s something to shape. You’ve grown up in a time of challenge, resilience, and rapid evolution, and you’ve already proven you can adapt, create, and lead.
As you move forward, remember this: success isn’t always about having the right answers. It’s often about asking the right questions, staying curious, and having the courage to keep growing, even when the path ahead is unclear.
Celebrate how far you’ve come, and stay humble about how far you can still go. Keep learning, stay kind, and don’t underestimate your ability to make real, lasting impact.

Mohammed Saquib Hussain (MA Architecture)

graduate in academic dress

"You've conquered challenges and earned this moment! Embrace the unknown with courage and each step forward shapes your future. Stay curious, keep learning, and trust your resilience. The world needs your unique spark, so shine boldly. Celebrate today, then chase your dreams with grit and grace. You’ve got this!"

Mazoon Al Balushi (International Business Management)

graduate in academic dress

"Your degree is just the boarding pass. I work in logistics at Sohar Aluminium, and every shipment teaches me this: delays, detours, and small wins all move you forward. You don’t need every answer right now just show up, stay curious, and keep shipping your ideas. Great destinations start with one launch. Here’s to courage, growth, and opportunities ahead." 🌟

Hitisha Gotecha (MSc Advanced Computer Science and Engineering 2024)

graduate in academic dress in front of a red brick building

"As someone who walked the same halls just a year ago, I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone. Graduating from a university like ours—especially in a field as dynamic and challenging as computer science—is no small feat. When I completed my Master’s in Advanced Computer Science in 2024, I learned that success isn’t just about mastering algorithms or systems. It’s about curiosity, resilience, and the courage to explore paths that aren’t yet fully mapped out.
Whether you’re stepping into your first role, diving into research, or creating something entirely your own—know this: you already have the skills, the grit, and the mindset to make a real impact. Keep learning, keep building, and don’t be afraid to take up space in rooms that once intimidated you. And remember—it’s okay not to have it all figured out today. The tech world is constantly evolving, and so will you. Wishing you all the success, innovation, and joy that your future holds. You’ve got this—Class of 2025, the world is ready for you."

Ellie Rice (BA Hons Modern Languages 2024)

graduate in academic dress

"Don’t stress! Now life starts after all the hard work. You will be fine and trust the process. You are so capable of everything you want to achieve in life."

Anjan Srinivas Sundararajan (MSc (Eng) Microelectronic Systems 2024)

graduate in academic dress in front of a red brick building

"There is always a right opportunity waiting for you make sure you keep trying and give it your all when it knocks the door. Be persistent!"

Joshua Tang (BEng Aerospace Engineering 2024)

graduate in academic dress

"Congratulations to the Class of 2025 - you’ve done it! Wishing you all the best in your future ventures! Some of you may leave Liverpool, but remember your time in Liverpool will never leave you." πŸŽ“πŸ’™

Bhavana Salvi (MBA 2024)

graduate in academic dress in front of a red brick building

"Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone! As an alumnus, I want to remind you: this is not the end—it’s just the beginning of an exciting journey. Carry forward the spirit, values, and knowledge you've gained at UoL, and keep contributing to the world and to the University that shaped you. Keep growing. Keep shining!"

Dakshatha K Gowda (Masters in Advanced Computer Science 2024)

graduate in academic dress

"From one grad to another — Class of 2025, you did it! ♥οΈπŸŽ“The late nights, the stress, the growth… all worth it. So proud of you — now go make magic!"

Lauren Thompson 2024

"If someone had told me at the start of my degree that I would graduate with First Class Honours and a two year old in my arms, I would never have believed them. Being a mature student definitely wasn’t easy and I faced more than a few hurdles - my nephew undergoing a life-saving liver transplant, my dad being diagnosed with cancer and welcoming my baby girl into the world (just to name a few!). But here I am.

Always believe in yourself and trust the process—you are stronger than you think."

Kaviyarasan Clement (MSc Environment and Climate Change 2024)

graduate in academic dress

Chloe Hawryluk (BA Politics 2024)

graduate in academic dress

Naveen Sikhwal (MSc Data Science adn Artificial Intelligence 2024)

Vanshika Manchanda (MSc International Business 2024)

graduate in academic dress

Thanks to everyone for sharing their graduation throwbacks. We hope it’s brought back some of your happy memories of your graduation day too! Look out for future ways you can contribute to your alumni community in our monthly newsletter.

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