One of the most joyous aspects of being a volunteer is working at a graduation. Lou Robinson is a former member of our SLT and has volunteered at many of our graduations. She told us about her graduation ceremony experiences – firstly working on our stall, then as part of the graduation procession, and then finally (and wondefully) as a graduate herself earlier this year.
What prompted you, Lou, to start volunteering at our graduation ceremonies?
I had volunteered at graduation ceremonies at my previous university and really enjoyed the experience. It’s a really exciting opportunity to help celebrate student success and be a part of making graduations a truly special day.
What does the day involve? What do you have to do?
As a Graduation Stall Volunteer, you arrive early and help set up the merchandise stall for Open SU. The stall sells all sorts of OU merchandise. You will spend the day of the event making sales and managing stock – and if you’re lucky, you may get the chance to join the academic procession where you get to parade down to the stage, before taking a seat and cheering the ceremony graduates as they make their way across the stage.
Whereabouts have you volunteered for graduation ceremonies?
I previously volunteered at Ely Cathedral, but most recently have been volunteering at the London ceremonies. London is one of our biggest venues and is very popular with graduates, so it’s a very busy day and a great experience!
What are the highlights from your time volunteering at these ceremonies?
Definitely those little moments where students share their study stories or family connections with the University.
I once sold a tie to a student’s dad. He was wearing a tie purchased at his own OU ceremony in the 1980s, but that day he was seeing his daughter graduate so upgraded his tie. That was really cute!
I personally really love it when a relative runs out just before the ceremony starts to buy a surprise present from the stall for their graduate. They are always so proud of their graduate and being able to provide a souvenir makes their day.
Always a memorable moment is when families start small fights over who will be paying for the graduation gifts. I’ve had to de-escalate arguments between a few very feisty grandmas over the years!
Louise received her degree on Saturday, 28 March at our London degree ceremony at the Barbican Centre. Our President Natalie Baker was part of the graduation procession too.
Was it inspiring to see OU students about to receive their degrees?
So inspiring! I think the best part of it is being able to talk to graduates and their families at the stall, hear their study stories, and/or see their awesome graduation shoes! It’s wonderful study motivation hearing how students overcame challenges to finally complete their studies.
You recently graduated yourself – tell us about the day. It must have been a great one!
It was amazing. I was very uncertain about whether I was going to bother with a graduation, or whether I’d find a different way to celebrate, but I’m really glad I went ahead and did it. It was such an amazing day – so well organised – and the staff and volunteers really added to the experience.
For me and many others, it is a moment that you never thought you would achieve. I dropped out of university at 21 and I never thought that I’d make my way back! Many OU students overcome great challenges to make it to that day.
Graduation is a celebration of making it through years of hard work, despite what challenges life has thrown at you. For many, it’s a chance to come together with family and friends, and thank them for their support throughout.
The OU stall is optional, of course, but a fridge magnet, t-shirt or mug to remember that special day and the journey they took to get there can raise a smile beyond graduation. Without volunteers like me, the stall and this opportunity wouldn’t be there!
You can see the video of Lou's graduation ceremony below: