Thousands graduate from the University of Suffolk in Ipswich

Ceremonies were held in a special marquee on Ipswich Waterfront across four days.

Among those to graduate were Ipswich Town Women star Sophie Peskett, mother and daughter duo Rebecca and Yve Cater and mother of six Jennifer Lloyd.

Students celebrated as they graduated from the University of Suffolk (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown) Students celebrated as they graduated from the University of Suffolk (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown) Students celebrating their graduation (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown)

She said: "I'm honestly so proud of myself for finally realising my aspiration of becoming a radiographer.

"Graduation to me means pride and I really feel that with the right support and encouragement anyone can realise their dream and potential."

33-year-olf Simon Richardson also graduated taking him one step close to becoming a registered nurse.

Students celebrating their graduation (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown) Students celebrating their graduation (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown) Obinna Ejiogu had two graduations in one week, gaining his postgraduate certificate at the University of Suffolk before receiving a PhD a day later (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown)

He said: "I never thought I would have the opportunity to go to university, let alone do it as a mature student."

Five honorary graduates were also celebrated across the week. 

These include Boshor Ali from BSC Multicultural Services, Healthwatch England chair Professor David Croisdale-Appleby OBE, former Olympic swimmer Michael Read MBE, historian Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch and Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna.

Ipswich Town Women star Sophie Peskett with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown) Students celebrating graduating from the University of Suffolk (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown) Students celebrating graduating from the University of Suffolk (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown)

Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Suffolk, said: "It’s been a wonderful week of celebration, alongside the important task of conferring the degrees on our new graduates.

"We have loved welcoming so many of their family and friends to the beautiful waterfront location of the Ipswich campus.

Professor Jenny Higham (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown) Students from the University of Suffolk graduated this week (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown) Students from the University of Suffolk graduated this week (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown)

"Their journey with the University of Suffolk does not end here, as our new graduates now become a part of our alumni community, inspiring our current and future students to similar success.

"The Class of 2024 is well-equipped to flourish in their careers or further study, and we wish them every success for the future."

The graduation ceremonies were held on Ipswich Waterfront (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown) The graduation ceremonies were held on Ipswich Waterfront (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown) The University of Suffolk held a number of ceremonies over four days (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown) The University of Suffolk held a number of ceremonies over four days (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown)