Lemn's last graduation ceremony as Chancellor

29 Jul 2022

Lemn Sissay presided over his last graduation ceremony as Chancellor on Friday, 22 July

Officiating at his very last graduation ceremony, our outgoing Chancellor Lemn Sissay OBE was captured in a short film, being thanked by Professor Fiona Devine, Head of Alliance Manchester Business School - and of course, responding in his unique way.

Our social media team also got some final reflections from Lemn. He said his favourite moment as Chancellor was presiding over graduation, and shaking hands with our graduands, as they become graduates - "that handshake, it represents something solid, in the connection that the student will have as they go out into the world."

Although Lemn's term as Chancellor is now coming to an end, our warm relationship will continue as he becomes an alumnus and an honorary chair in creative writing. At an event in June to celebrate and mark Lemn's many achievements during his tenure, President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Nancy Rothwell said: “Lemn has been an amazing supporter of our University, bringing life to the role – a ceremonial office with significant ambassadorial responsibilities – thanks to his star quality and wholehearted enthusiasm. It has been a pleasure working with him.”