The latest generation of health and social care professionals set to graduate

The latest generation of nurses, midwives, social workers and specialist health professionals are set to graduate from the University of Chester on Thursday, March 24 and Friday, March 25.

More than 1,150 soon-to-be-graduates will receive their awards in the majestic setting of Chester Cathedral in the first in-person graduation ceremonies since the first lockdown in March 2020. As ‘Citizen Students’ many played an integral role in supporting health and social care during the pandemic and will help shape the future workforce in the county, region and beyond.

They will be joined by friends and supporters to share their special day right in the heart of Chester, bringing in thousands of visitors and giving the city centre’s retail and hospitality businesses a welcome economic boost.

The graduands will be joined by at each ceremony by a distinguished guest, who will receive an honorary degree from the University for excellence, predominantly in the field of healthcare and wellbeing.

Dr Gyles Brandreth, Chancellor of the University of Chester, will present the awards during ceremonies two, three, four and five with Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons presenting the awards in ceremonies one and six.

Professor Simmons said: “We are thrilled to be able to welcome our soon-to-be graduates to be able to celebrate with their friends and supporters in the glorious surroundings of Chester Cathedral. We hope to give them a day to remember as they celebrate all their achievements, particularly following such challenging times.

“It is also an opportunity to recognise the accomplishments of our honoraries, who have worked with such dedication to improve the health and wellbeing across Cheshire and beyond.”