More than 4,000 students are marking the start of their next chapter after celebrating graduation with their friends and family.

Ceremonies have been held throughout the week along Ipswich Waterfront to mark the success of University of Suffolk students across a range of courses. 

 

 

The university has also recognised a host of Suffolk faces with honourary degrees. These included Zeb Soanes, Cathy Ryan, Charlie Haylock, Hamil Clarke and Ann Osborn. 

Ipswich Star: Nearly 4,500 students have graduated during this week from the University of Suffolk. Nearly 4,500 students have graduated during this week from the University of Suffolk. (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography)

Ipswich Star: Nearly 4,500 students have graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. Nearly 4,500 students have graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography)

Ipswich Star: Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography)

Among the thousands receiving their degrees this week was Sarah Old.

 

She completed a masters degree in counselling and CBT, a course she has been managing while supporting her daughter Amelia through cancer treatment. 

Ipswich Star: Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography)

Ipswich Star: Sarah Old with her daughter Amelia.Sarah Old with her daughter Amelia. (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography)

She said: “I’m really proud to be here – even though it’s been hard work. From the start of my course and managing my daughter’s cancer treatment to today celebrating my graduation and knowing my daughter is in remission.

 

 

"I am looking forward to starting my career and being in a position to help and support people who are going through the same circumstances that my family went through.”

Ipswich Star: Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography)

Ipswich Star: Amy Harvey.Amy Harvey. (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography)

Also graduating this week was Amy Harvey.

 

 

 

She said: “I feel really proud and relieved to be here celebrating my graduation. It’s been an emotional day but I’m glad to be here celebrating with my fellow students and marking the end of our journey together.”   

Ipswich Star: Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of SuffolkNearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography)

Ipswich Star: Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk.Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography)

 

 

Professor Helen Langton MBE, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the University of Suffolk, said: “Graduation week has been a truly special occasion across campus, as we came together to celebrate the achievements of our new graduates.

Ipswich Star: Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography)

Ipswich Star: Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk.Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography)Ipswich Star: Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. Nearly 4,500 students graduated this week from the University of Suffolk. (Image: University of Suffolk/Gregg Brown Photography)

"We had some inspirational speeches from our five honorary graduates, and our graduating students who delivered the vote of thanks in their ceremonies. We are tremendously proud of all of their hard work during their time at the University of Suffolk, and we look forward to seeing them thrive in their future careers.”