Sarah Barrow, Head of School

Wednesday 8 September 2010. My first graduation day at Lincoln. I’d been looking forward to this day since finding out last December that I’d got the post of Head of School of Media, and realising that this would soon become my ‘home’ city.

What a splendid occasion. The cathedral/castle setting at the top of Steep Hill was magnificent, especially when floodlit to show off all its medieval glory.

The ceremony itself began by following al the formal conventions required for these events, but was enormously enlivened by our Media students clapping and cheering each other as they walked proudly across the stage to be greeted and congratulated by our Vice Chancellor.

I’d been given the task of reading out student names, announcing their degrees, and was honoured to do so. It gave me the chance to put faces to names of the many graduands who were just finishing their time at Lincoln when I arrived and who had taken the trouble to email me over the summer months with all sorts of helpful, supportive and positive messages. In fact, since arriving at Lincoln at Easter, I’ve been quite overwhelmed by the number of messages from Media graduates offering to help current students in a wide range of ways, through work experience, advice and sometimes even some paid work!

The most moving moment of the event for me was during the outgoing procession when a ripple of applause rose slowly to the eaves of the immense cathedral just as we were walking out into the mild September evening. When we’re all busy planning ahead, occasions like these are so important for pausing and celebrating the magnificent achievements of our hard-working students and their lecturers. Can’t wait for next year!

In the meantime, do stay in touch via this blog and let us know how you get on during your first few months after university. We love hearing your stories, whether success, trial or tribulation.

View from the Podium