Congratulations!
16 June 2012
As I type this, the first group of graduands are sitting in their caps and gowns, ready to reap the reward for years of hard work at Nottingham Trent.
For all of you graduating this week - CONGRATULATIONS. I mean that most sincerely. I remember my graduation vividly - and that feeling that it had all been worth it. It's a moment of great pride for you, your family and friends AND for all of us at NTU.
As you venture into working life or perhaps higher levels of academia it can be daunting to think of what lies ahead and what has passed so quickly over the last few years - but your achievement is something to celebrate as is the thought that you're not being abandoned by NTU. You may leave us on a day to day basis, but at the moment you graduate, you become an alumnus, and part of an ever growing family.
We will be here to help and support you as much as we can and to help you stay in touch with all the friends you have made.
There's a very big world out there. As a graduate of Nottingham Trent University you are superbly placed to make the most of every opportunity.
My only regret for this graduation week is that I can't be there to join you because of work commitments. It's always fun to watch the ceremonies but it's MUCH more fun for me to be on the alumni stand handing out the free goody bags and getting to meet new members of the alumni family face to face. I'm sorry I can't do that this week BUT I am available to you via email for any thoughts or questions you may have. If I can't answer them myself I'll put you in touch with someone who can. This means your alumni support network begins right here, right now, at stephen.dixon@ntu.ac.uk
Enjoy your days of celebration, of pondering what comes next and enjoy starting out the in world of work. We'll be thinking of you - and always here to help when you need it.
Congratulations once again - and welcome to the NTU alumni family.
Stephen