University of Southampton Hosts Winter Graduation Ceremonies at O2 Guildhall and Guildhall Square



Southampton’s O2 Guildhall and Guildhall Square will be the scene of celebrations this week as the University of Southampton hosts its winter graduation ceremonies.
A total of seven ceremonies are taking place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with nearly 2,000 students attending to graduate.
Among this winter’s graduates from across the University of Southampton and Winchester School of Art are newly qualified cardiac nurse Jasmine Grant and musician Mary-Jannet Leith.
Nursing graduate Jasmine was inspired to specialise in cardiac care following the sudden cardiac arrest and death of her father mid-way through her studies.
Jasmine said: “Continuing my degree following my dad’s sudden passing was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But I know my dad would have wanted me to achieve my goals and so I’ve tried my best to turn a truly tragic situation into something that motivates and inspires me to help others live healthy and fulfilling lives.
“I now feel honoured to call myself a cardiac nurse and I hope to make him proud every day.”
Through her studies, PhD graduate Mary-Jannet became an expert on Queen Charlotte and George III’s relationship with music – so much so that she was interviewed by national media to coincide with the release of Netflix’s Queen Charlotte: a Bridgerton Story .
Mary-Jannet said: “It was very exciting to be part of the media attention around Queen Charlotte ahead of the launch of Queen Charlotte: a Bridgerton Story .”
An honorary degree will be awarded to Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Advisor for the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), on Thursday.
Professor Chappell has overall responsibility for DHSC research and development and for supporting analysis and life sciences across the department. She provides science advice to ministers across a range of health topics and is involved in cross-government science policy. She is also Chief Executive Officer for the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the research delivery vehicle for the UK Department of Health and Social Care.
Lucy is Professor of Obstetrics at King’s College London, working mainly in clinical trials in pregnancy, and a practicing Consultant Obstetrician at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark E. Smith said: “Winter graduation is a very special time of year for our community, as we celebrate our students’ brilliant achievements and wish them well as they move onto the next stages of their lives. It is also a chance to honour our dedicated and talented staff who have enabled the graduates to reach their potential. It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate this in the heart of Southampton.”