More than 50 Trinity Hall students graduated today in what was a joyful and carefully choreographed event amid ongoing national public health restrictions.
This was the first in-person graduation event since restrictions were imposed in early 2020 due to the pandemic and included the historic, though socially distanced, lining up in Front Court before the walk to the Senate House where the degrees were conferred.
The students were able to have their pictures taken in the morning and, after becoming graduates, enjoyed a Garden Party in marquees on Latham Lawn and in the Fellows’ Garden.
Dr Daniel Tyler, the Acting Vice-Master of Trinity Hall, said: “After the relative informality of online lectures and exams taken in their study bedrooms, the formality of General Admission will have a special significance this year as a rite of passage, recognising the magnitude of the students’ achievements at a time of global crisis. The formalities of the occasion remind us all that we are participating in a ceremony and an institution that stretches back across centuries.
“On behalf of all of my colleagues at Trinity Hall, I congratulate the graduands on their achievements, and delight in their success which has been achieved at a time of greater uncertainty and challenge than many before them have faced. Well done and congratulations to them all.”
Graduation is an important moment in the College and, despite Covid-related alterations, students were able to take part in a process that closely resembled previous years.
Having assembled in College, and processed in alphabetical order out of College grounds, the students lined up inside the Senate House.
Once there the Acting Vice-Master conferred the degrees on the Trinity Hall students in a ceremony retaining centuries-old traditions. Then, as graduates, the Trinity Hall members exited via the steps into Senate House Passage.
Dr Clare Jackson, Senior Tutor, said: “It’s difficult to put into perspective all that everyone achieves during their time at Cambridge, and the quality of friendships forged – yet memories of these final days, notwithstanding the pandemic-enforced restrictions – will soon become indelibly etched in the mind and be recalled in the years ahead.”
Speaking to the students before they processed to the Senate House, the Praelector Dr Cristiano Ristuccia told them: “Congratulations. This is an achievement not only to get your degrees but to get them in current circumstances. Now, as many of you will leave and go into the wider world, just remember that you make the College very proud and I would say: ‘keep curious’.”
More in-person graduations are planned for the summer.
Photo: Trinity Hall graduate Theodora Jejey exiting the Senate House. By Lloyd Mann, University of Cambridge.
