New Vice-Chancellor Koen Lamberts opened his first graduation ceremonies this weekend as he joked “Your first time? Mine too!”
The former deputy vice-chancellor and provost of the University of Warwick, who was sworn into the top post on New Year’s Day, congratulated hundreds of graduates earlier on Friday and Saturday at ceremonies held at Central Hall.
The two-day event was also held to award honorary doctorates to eight members of society who have made a significant contribution.
Among those to pick up an accolade were post-conflict specialist Raw McGrath, composer Philip Moore, and physicist Sir Christopher Llewellyn Smith.
The University also announced its next Humans of York, with graduates Wenhan Bao and Jennifer scooping the title from the department of politics. When asked what the pair would miss about York, they replied with the environment and ‘ducks’.
Former students of the University now become part of the York Alumni Association. A spokesperson congratulated students via Twitter.