BNU's Chancellor Jay Blades MBE releases video message congratulating Class of 2023 graduates
On the eve of a week in which more than a thousand students will attend their graduation ceremonies at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU), Chancellor Jay Blades MBE has recorded and released a heartfelt video message congratulating the soon-to-be graduates on their achievements and recognising the significant challenges they have faced over the last three years.
His specially recorded message, which appears on BNU's YouTube Channel, social media platforms, and will appear on the MyBNU student app over the weekend, Jay tells students “You know the times we’ve had: Covid, the cost-of-living crisis. It’s been a little bit crazy, but now you’re graduating. So, forget the down time, it’s celebration time!”
The Chancellor will be attending a selection of BNU’s graduation ceremonies, his first since he was invested as BNU’s Chancellor in March 2023. Swapping his usual suit and cap for a traditional academic gown, Jay will fulfil an important part of his new role by joining the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nick Braisby and Pro-Chancellor Maggie Galliers CBE, in awarding degrees to students. Honorary doctorates will also be awarded to a host of high-profile leaders in their fields.
In his personal message to students, Jay expresses his sense of pride in their performance stating that, although he will be attending some of their ceremonies, “…this is not about me, it’s about you. What I want to say to you is well done everybody for getting through. Because you’ve qualified. That means you are quote unquote a “professional’’! So take it nice and easy and then get out there and into the work market.”
If the experience of previous BNU graduates is anything to go by, the prospects for this latest BNU cohort look very promising indeed. Data confirmed recently by the Office for Students has shown that of BNU’s taught graduates who studied a full-time first-degree course, 81% had progressed into professional employment, further study, caring or travelling within 15 months of graduating.
Echoing Jay’s comments when speaking about the success of the 2023 cohort, BNU Pro-Chancellor Maggie Galliers CBE explained “This year’s graduates have achieved so much and risen admirably to the countless challenges they’ve faced. Their success was made possible thanks both to their own hard work, and the University’s proud focus on supporting its students at every step of their academic journey, both inside and outside the lecture theatre.’
Earlier this year BNU won a prestigious What Uni Award for the response to the cost of living crisis in recognition of the support it provided to BNU students during the cost-of-living crisis. BNU gave financial aid totalling more than £500k in student bursaries, including £170k to the Jay Blades Thrive bursary which supports students from low-income families. The University also funded the Students’ Union to provide more than 7200 free meals to around 1500 individual students, and to curate the Big Deal programme which saves students around £200 a month through free sports, recreation and skills development activities.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Braisby added: “By constantly adapting our support for the learning, financial and wellbeing needs of our students, we ensure that they can succeed in their studies and have already taken the first step in establishing their future careers. At BNU we are extremely proud of each and every one of our students, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact on society our Class of 2023 goes on to make.’’
One student who has spoken positively about the difference the support of her tutors made is Tia Daley from London, who is first in her family to attend university. Tia graduated with a BA in Product Design and said “My time at BNU has been transformative and I’ve built so much confidence through the support and experiences I’ve had access to. My cohort have overcome so many challenges together and shown resilience through it all. We have so much to be proud of and have learned so many invaluable life lessons here at BNU.”