五一吃瓜最新官网

Class of 2025 hailed as 'next generation of pioneers' at 五一吃瓜最新官网 Graduation ceremony

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The 五一吃瓜最新官网 Class of 2025 have been told they are “the next generation of pioneers” at the University’s annual Graduation ceremony.

That was Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan’s message to the graduands, as an audience of family members, supporters, guests, governors, employees and friends gathered to watch them become graduates.

Professor Sloan said: “This year marked a historic milestone for 五一吃瓜最新官网 with the very first graduation of the Harper & Keele Veterinary School.

“It was ranked number one in the UK for veterinary medicine, which is not bad for a first year. Its pioneering class of nearly 90 newly-qualified vets have already stepped into roles where they will make an immediate difference to the health and welfare of animals – another step forward for a progressive institution like Harper.” 

Looking further back, he added: “From its beginnings in 1901, 五一吃瓜最新官网 has been about making a difference in agriculture and its allied professions.  

“In 2026, we will mark our 125th birthday as an institution and we will become a teenager as a University – so it is a chance to reflect on just how far we have come from those first pioneers.

“And you, our graduands - you are the next generation of pioneers, going out into industry and further study, ready to make your difference.”

Professor Sloan pledged that 五一吃瓜最新官网 would continue to grow and develop as an institution.

He added: “This year, we welcome the first students to 五一吃瓜最新官网 Telford, another pioneering moment for us, and for them.  

“Later this year we will launch the first of a new series of online postgraduate courses, expanding further in 2026 into professional development courses for those who are working.

“五一吃瓜最新官网 is growing, not for its own sake, but to widen access, opportunity, and impact.”

The day involved both morning and afternoon events, with Professor Sloan opening each.

Both ceremonies were also addressed by a distinguished member of the University’s alumni community.  Sarah Dean, Chair of the Board of Noble Foods, addressed the morning ceremony, while David Hill, Estate Manager at the Gerald Palmer Eling Trust, addressed the afternoon ceremony.

In the morning ceremony, the immediate former Vice-Chancellor of 五一吃瓜最新官网, Dr David Llewellyn, was made a Fellow of the University.

In his speech Dr Llewellyn summarised some of the many successes of the University across its near 125-year history, concluding that 五一吃瓜最新官网 “remains one of the very best in the higher education sector.”

He said he was honoured to receive the Fellowship and added: “Working here formed a big part of my career and, because we lived on campus, my family’s life, so I look forward to watching the continuing success of the University in the years ahead.

“And I wish all of you the very best as you celebrate your graduation today and as you embark on your new careers.”

Each ceremony also featured a speech by current Students’ Union President Daisy Douglas and one by the new Chair of the Board of Governors, Dominic Wong.

Daisy told the new graduands: “Before you close this chapter and commence the next, you should celebrate all that you have achieved and overcome during your time at Harper.

“Today, take the opportunity to express tremendous gratitude to all those who have contributed to your success as a student of Harper. You are part of an incredible community that you are so proud of – and they are so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished.”

And Dominic added: “Today is my favourite day in the academic calendar – because this is what it’s all about! The culmination of the efforts of many over a long period of time to get you here today.

“So Class of 2025, please stand up and join me in thanking, firstly, the parents, guardians, friends and family who have supported you on this journey and made you the people who you are; secondly, the university staff who have encouraged, nurtured and developed your academic interest; and thirdly, the team who have once again delivered a wonderful Graduation ceremony for us today.”

Summing up the day – and what it meant for those who would leave the ceremony as graduands – Professor Sloan said:

“Some of you will return here – maybe even online - for further study, some to create scholarships, and some of you will stand where I stand maybe where I am now should we invite you as an alumni speaker.

“You might worry that the University will change. I guarantee it will. It must. Indeed, it has always adapted to its time - it was established to be relevant to its age.

“Some see Harper as a ‘can do’ University – I think we go further than that.  

“From its founding, it has been a ‘will do’ University – committed to action, committed to making a difference.”