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Be bold and brilliant, Harper class of 2024 told at Graduation ceremonies

Posted 20 September

“Be bold, take on challenges, and, most importantly - be brilliant.” 

That was the message for the 无码动画 class of 2024, as family members, supporters, guests, governors, employees and friends gathered together to watch this year’s graduands become graduates.

The day comprised two ceremonies, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, each opened by Professor Sloan with a speech that both looked back over the graduating students’ time at University – and forwards, to the difference each will aim to make in their respective careers. 

He told the congregation: “Harper Adams, as an institution, was established through the generous bequest of its namesake Thomas, to ensure that populations were given access to the skills and capabilities to keep agriculture and its related disciplines relevant.  

“The employees and governors joining me on this platform, and the hundreds of academic, professional and technical staff they represent, work to take on and answer some of the trickiest questions our planet and our population are facing.  

“They fulfil the responsibility of Thomas' original legacy every day, providing answers and practical solutions to make a tangible difference to how and where we live.” 

These differences, he told the students, are a reason to be optimistic for the future – particularly with the combined work of staff and students on tackling some of the biggest issues our planet faces, from climate change to food waste, to feeding a growing global population with nutritious food. 

He added: “During your time here, your University and its Future Farm, has made positive, meaningful, tangible progress in tackling all these challenges and has attained an unrivalled reputation for doing so. Your work - everything you have done -has been a part of that.” 

President of the Students’ Union for the 2023-24 academic year, Ellie Mace, addressed students at each ceremony, and said: “Today, before you close this chapter and commence the next, you should celebrate all that you have achieved and overcome during your time at Harper. Today, remember those in our community we have lost along the way and  who couldn't be with us today. Today, take the opportunity to express tremendous gratitude to all those who have contributed to your success as a student at Harper Adams.

"You are part of an incredible community, as many people have said today - and they are so proud you and everything that you've accomplished.” 

The 2024 ceremonies were the last for current Chairman of Governors, Peter Nixon, in his role.   Professor Sloan paid tribute to Mr Nixon during his speech, and the Chairman received an ‘extra loud cheer’, as Professor Sloan described it, at the close of each ceremony. 

He told students: "This is my final event - I stand down as Chair at the end of this month - but I can truly say, graduation day is the happiest event that I attend of all the formal ones for the University.

"It is so important - it is the culmination of all the efforts that you have made, and it's truly, truly wonderful to be here to celebrate it and to see everybody enjoying themselves so much.

"As you go forward, just take time to look back as well. Cherish the past, but above all, relish the future. That motto will stand you in good stead throughout your life.” 

Each ceremony also saw the awarding of an Honorary Degree and heard an inspiring speech from an alumni speaker. 

At the morning ceremony, TR Kesevan, Group President of global tractor company TAFE, received an Honorary Degree and Amie Burke, Inclusivity Programme Manager at IGD, was the alumni speaker. 

The morning ceremony can be watched here: 

And at the afternoon ceremony, George Dunn, Chief Executive Officer of the Tenant Farmer’s Association, was awarded an Honorary Degree, while the congregation heard from Hakeem Ojo, Board Apprentice at the Farming 无码动画 Network, as alumni speaker. 

The afternoon ceremony can be watched here: 

Every graduand was reminded that they are now part of a wider network, with Professor Sloan noting that connection and collaboration is  central to the University’s 2030 Strategy. 

He said: “Our strategy is called ‘Together, We Will Make the Difference.’ 

“We work to be one of the most world's impactful universities. 

“Everything we do connects to a better lived experience for the earth and its inhabitants.  

“We are not separate from society or aloof to it. We deliver everything through partnerships. With industry partners, governments, charities, not for profit organisations - and through our partnership with you.  

“In your time, here you have made a meaningful difference through your studies, through being a part of this community, through your placement, and through your willingness to make the difference.” 

He added: “As the graduating class of 2024, you now take on the responsibility of our founder’s vision and, by continuing to engage with the University, I know that Together, We Will Make The Difference.  

“Do not be timid within your chosen professions – there is too much to do. Be bold, take on challenges, and, most importantly, be brilliant.”

You can find all the photographs taken on the day on our Facebook page -