Congregation Celebrants - a first for 2024

By: Debbie Mayne
Date: July 2024

Image; students at Congregation

“Be ambitious, be kind, be yourselves, and believe in yourselves” Sarah Pritchard, (Professor in Practice, Durham University Business School) 

Congregation ceremonies are always amongst the most celebrated events in the University calendar. They are the pinnacle of the student journey, an opportunity not only to look back with pride, but also to look to the future with optimism.  

In Summer 2024, we saw over 6,000 graduands become graduates in 24 ceremonies in the magnificent Durham Cathedral. The celebrations stretched over six days and were presided over by our Vice-Chancellor, our Chancellor and many senior University staff.  

A new initiative for these ceremonies was the addition of some of our amazing alumni and supporter community, who, as celebrants, shared some of their experiences and words of advice with the new graduates. The eight guests represented a range of life stages and experience, and came from different academic and cultural backgrounds. Many of the prevailing messages were as constant as they were pertinent - each celebrant brought their own unique perspective on how to achieve success in life after Durham.   

Keep learning and don’t give up! 

The importance of continuous learning was stressed, there was a recognition that Durham has taught each graduate how to learn, how to question and how to process information, but now is where the journey really begins;  

‘You are now School Smart; you have proved your academic capability successfully today. But this is not the end. Becoming School Smart is not our final goal.’ Ocean Wang (MBA, Ustinov College, 2008-09). 

‘Learning is everything. Never stop it. Don’t judge yourself by the apparent successes and failures of others. Always be prepared to ask challenging questions. Otherwise, you’ll never find out the answers.’ Oliver Templeman (Mathematics, St Cuthbert’s Society, 2009-13).   

Iynna Halilou spoke of the courage of perseverance and explained that ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take: so, as you embark on this life, do send that cold email, try out this business idea… take those calculated risks. What’s the worst that could happen?’  

‘While my journey is far from being done, I know a thing or two about rejection and most specifically, I know that resilience and confidence are a byproduct of that.’ Iynna Halilou (International Relations, Van Mildert College, 2010-13).     

‘Resilience is key; learn from failure. Work hard; you often must work hard to make something look easy.’ Shayma Ali (Health and Human Sciences, Stephenson College, 1998-2001).   

Durham communities 

All our invited celebrants spoke of the value of the networks created whilst at Durham. Whether through their College or through sporting, theatre or volunteering communities, these networks were seen as having enduring value throughout their careers; 

‘Durham has given you more than an education. It has given you a community, a sense of purpose, and the tools to navigate the complexities of the world.’ Bayo Adelaja (English Literature, University College, 2009-12).  

‘My experience at Durham’s Stephenson College was transformative. It was a place that celebrated diversity and potential creating a space for someone like me. It’s a space that fosters a sense of safety and camaraderie that is the hallmark of Durham’s collegiate system.’ Shayma Ali.   

Bayo Adelaja spoke of Durham’s communities celebrating diversity, and of her motivation to create a better and more equal world; 

‘I was driven by a passion for justice, equality, and the belief that everyone deserves to thrive. Do not be afraid to take risks, to challenge the status quo, and to stand up for what is right. In doing so, you will not only find your own fulfilment but also contribute to a more just and equitable world. Durham University has prepared you well. You have the knowledge, the skills, and the community behind you.’ 

Looking to a bright future 

There were many words of wisdom for the graduates’ ongoing journeys. Ocean Wang and Doug Halliday spoke of making wise choices as next steps;  

‘A job is an opportunity, it’s something you can do. A career is a journey, it’s something you’d love to pour all your passion and energy into.’ Ocean Wang. 

‘As you embark on the next stage of your life, you bring not only your knowledge, skills, and everything that a Durham degree represents, but you also bring your personality, your identity, your values, your dreams, your hopes, and your creativity.’ Professor Doug Halliday.  

And looking to a future where Durham graduates can make a real difference to the world;  

‘You are not merely graduates; you are explorers, problem solvers and you are pushing boundaries. The world we live in today is not without uncertainty and challenge. But it awaits your expertise, you are the architects of tomorrow's materials, the pioneers of life-saving drugs, and the guardians of our environment.’ Natasha Boulding (Chemistry, St Mary’s College, 2009-15).  

‘Many of you will make substantive contributions in what you do, many of you will make the world a better place for all, many of you will take your Durham experience and education and do something remarkable with it, right across the world. You will see the phrase “Inspiring the Extraordinary” emblazoned on university publicity. This is what that means in practice.’ Doug Halliday.  

We are grateful for the advice from all our inaugural celebrants, each one of whom is a source of inspiration to the wider University community. They are great role models to the graduating class of today, who we hope will, in turn, share their experiences with the classes of tomorrow.    

 

Our 2024 celebrants were: 

• Shayma Ali, Vice President & General Manager of IQVIA Healthcare Analytics. 

• Bayo Adelaja MBE, Chief Executive Officer of Do It Now Now, empowering Black communities.   

• Oliver Templeman, Senior Analyst and Creator Advocate at Dstl.  

• Iynna Halilou, ex United Nations and Moxxie Ventures, now General Partner at the MBA Fund 

• Ocean Wang, founder, Become Consulting Limited. 

• Sarah Pritchard, Executive Director of Markets and Executive Director of International at the Financial Conduct Authority. 

• Doug Halliday, Dean of Graduate School and retired Professor in Physics. 

• Natasha Boulding, co-founder, Low Carbon Materials.      

 

Read more;  

• about ceremonies at Durham 

• about Summer Congregation