As Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, I congratulate you all on successfully achieving your academic award from this world-renowned institution. 

As we gather today to celebrate your success, we do so in a world that continues to present significant challenges. Over the past year, University of London students have demonstrated incredible resilience in the face of global events. From floods and fires  to economic uncertainty, you have navigated these complexities with incredible determination, and we are immensely proud to have supported you on this journey. 

The University of London remains committed to expanding access to world-class education. This year, we have strengthened our global presence by welcoming new partners to our network, ensuring even more students can benefit from face-to-face teaching alongside our online learning programmes. Our commitment to widening participation is also reflected in initiatives such as the University of London Scholars programme, our Care Leavers Guarantee and our continued investment in student support services. 

Our role as a centre of academic excellence extends beyond teaching. Senate House Library continues to evolve, offering an enhanced programme of events and exhibitions, including our Distinguished Speaker Series, which this year welcomed leading figures to discuss some of the most pressing issues of our time. Meanwhile, the School of Advanced Study has continued to champion the importance of the humanities, hosting its inaugural National Humanities Lecture to highlight the critical role of humanities research in today’s world. 

It is my privilege to welcome you and your loved ones to London to mark this special occasion. While the University’s impact is global, our historic presence in London remains at the heart of our identity. I encourage you to visit Senate House while you are here and experience the exciting developments taking place. 

Today’s celebration is a testament to your dedication and hard work. You now join a distinguished network of more than 750,000 University of London alumni worldwide – graduates who are making a difference in their fields and communities. We hope you will stay connected as you embark on your next steps. Our alumni team is always here to support you; you can reach them at alumni@london.ac.uk

Professor Wendy Thomson CBE
Vice-Chancellor, University of London