UEL convocation welcome brings audience to its feet

We are absolutely committed to equipping you with everything you need to find the right career path for you and to make the best possible start to your career. I want you to enjoy your time here and enjoy learning and to explore your potential using the amazing tools we have available. More than that, I want you to explore the limitless potential in yourselves,"

Professor Amanda Broderick, UEL's vice-chancellor and president, said in her Convocation speech.

Current and former students took to the lectern to give a student’s-eye view about their experience and impart some wisdom to the ‘next generation’. Aisha Labefo-Audu, who works as partnership manager for UEL and was a UEL student ten years ago, gave a rousing speech encouraging students to "be the change." Of her student days, she recalled an unexpected offer to volunteer at an all-boys school that turned out the be “the best volunteering experience of my life” and set her on a path to gain a Master’s in career coaching.

SportsDock, UEL's state-of-the-art sports and fitness facility located on the University’s Docklands campus, played host to this year’s event, and it was SportsDock’s fitness team who came through with the most blood-moving, foot-stomping activity of the day. UEL’s finest fitness instructors brought the audience to its feet, leading them through a series of dance moves to much cheering and whooping – a real crowd pleaser.

The ceremonies ended with a heart-warming performance from some of the University's talented performing arts students, who delivered a love-themed poetry and choir performance that ended with 'Love is All You Need'.

After the ceremony, guests were invited to sample some transatlantic treats at an American-themed diner restaurant before enjoying an open-air 'silent cinema' – equipped with deckchairs and headphones – in the campus’ entertainment square overlooking the river.

One student who took part, Tracy Kibel, who is pursuing a nursing associate degree, said, “I chose UEL because I work full time and being close to home I can still attend my lectures. UEL has great links with clinical placements, which would really help with my studies.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Atharva Tupe, who is studying for an MBA in supply chain management. He said, '"UEL is in a great location, and the course I’m doing will really help me gain knowledge about the right organisations. UEL also offers high quality work placement opportunities, which not many universities do."