Alumnae return 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.”

Yang Li, returning to graduate with an MSc in International Marketing and Entrepreneurship (2018)

“My time at Essex was wonderful and unforgettable. I encountered some procedural issues after finishing my Masters that caused me to miss my graduation ceremony, I entered the ballot to make up for this missed opportunity and bring closure to my Masters journey.

“I am excited to have invited my family to the UK from China to attend my belated graduation ceremony. I’m really looking forward to returning to the Essex campus to reminisce about my studies and reconnect with my tutors.

“I began my Masters in 2017, living in the beautiful coastal city of Southend-on-Sea. Initially, I struggled with understanding the lessons due to language barriers. I was so grateful for the support Essex provides for international students, I attended weekly sessions with a language support tutor who helped me revise my essays and offered valuable study advice.

“As the course was so diverse, it allowed me to explore various research directions and stimulated my desire to continue learning. After completing my Masters, I developed an interest in digital innovation I was thrilled to receive the opportunity to pursue a higher degree. I transferred to Royal Holloway, University of London, to pursue a PhD in Information Systems. I am currently completing my doctorate and plan to continue my academic career in the UK.”