Alumna returns to graduate at Colchester Campus

We know how much of a disappointment it can be to lack the official closing of such an important life chapter, so the graduation ballot offers an opportunity to finally celebrate those incredible achievements, regardless of how long ago they were earned. The ballot for returning alumni will reopen for ceremonies in 2025 at the end of the year. 

Karen Haddock, returning to graduate with a MPhil in Art History and Theory (2014)

“I applied to the graduation ballot. Because I realised that I had not properly celebrated my achievement. It means everything! Essex University has always been very special to me. It feels like home. 

"I have a long history with the University. I worked as a secretary in the Estates and Planning Department from 1974-1978. In 1976 I appeared in a photograph which was taken in Square 4. I was 22 years old at the time. This photograph was used in the exhibition in 2014 to celebrate50 years of Essex University. This photograph was then displayed on a wall in the Top Bar. I am happy to see it is still in situ!

“I returned to Essex in 2002 as a mature student to study for a B.A in Art History.  To my surprise I graduated with a First! I went on to study for an MA in Art History which I achieved with distinction in 2007.  In 2014 I was awarded an MPhil in Art History and Theory.

“My favourite memories of Essex would have to be the many Art History trips I was fortunate enough to enjoy. Amongst them were Paris, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Florence, Venice, and Sienna plus a 10 day trip to New York and Philadelphia. 

“When I finished my study I became a tutor for the Workers’ Educational Association, a leading adult education charity best known as the WEA, where I taught Art History for a number of years. I continued teaching Art History under my own auspices until I retired four years ago.

“Family circumstances at the time meant I could not attend the graduation ceremony for my last degree, my MPhil. I am very much looking forward to wearing the University of Essex robes and celebrating my achievement with the Essex University family.”