The University of East London hosted 17 ceremonies over seven days from 9-17 September, involving more than 7,000 graduates from the last two years. The ceremonies were held at the Royal Docks, neighbouring the university’s own campus.

The University also recognised accomplished individuals with honorary doctorates. BBC presenter and former international footballer Alex Scott; former director of West Ham’s famous youth academy Tony Carr and elite BMX cyclist Bethany Shriever, who took gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Also receiving doctorates were African dance pioneer Mercy Nabirye; conservationist and civil engineer Anusha Shah; and director of community affairs at Canary Wharf Group Zakir Khan.

And, reflecting the trials and triumphs of Covid, chief nurse for Barts Health NHS Trust Caroline Alexander, and Jason Strelitz, director of public health at Newham Borough Council, were also recognised in a milestone year which saw the university’s first nursing graduates accepting their degrees.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.