As Your Student President I must admit that attending Graduation is one of the best parts of my role. Seeing students at the end of their journey with us and about to start their next steps is a truly memorable experience.

I was ecstatic to see this year that our Berlin Graduation has moved to a new, larger venue. This gave our graduates a bigger stage to show off that walk to receive their certificates and scrolls. It felt like the perfect venue for such an important moment in their student journeys.

The Ceremony

I am always honoured to be able to deliver a speech to our graduates. The focus of my speech this time was an opportunity to acknowledge the sacrifice our students make to get to this moment. Whether this is travelling far from home, completing assignments between childcare commitments or personal challenges. This moment now, shows just what you can do with resilience, determination and grit. You are all here because you kept your dream of a degree alive and you are leaving with more than a degree, you are leaving with a great sense of power and success.

We heard from some other Arden staff at the ceremony too, here are some of my highlights:

• Carl Lygo (Vice Chancellor) delivered a speech that spoke about the determination and sacrifices our student make to complete their studies using his well-known phrase “You are not normal”, reminding graduates that their achievements are extraordinary and encouraging them to take the time to truly celebrate their success.
• Dilshad Sheikh (Provost) speech was equally powerful and reflective. She spoke about Berlin as a city that has been divided, challenged, and rebuilt many times, drawing a thoughtful parallel with the journeys of the graduates in the room. Many of the graduates have crossed borders and balanced work and family commitments, and her words recognised that reality in a very meaningful way.

Meeting our graduates

During the drinks reception, I had the chance to meet students I had previously only known online. I had an inspiring conversation with a group of Executive MBA graduates working at Porsche, who had travelled from Stuttgart. They spoke passionately about their programme - some called it the best MBA in the world - but what stood out most was how consistently they praised their lecturers and the support they received throughout their studies. Their appreciation reflected a theme I heard again and again: the difference that supportive teaching and a strong community makes in a student’s journey.

Reflections

Berlin Graduation wasn’t just a ceremony - it was a celebration of everything our students bring to their studies: resilience, ambition, creativity, and courage. It was a celebration of the staff who champion them, and the volunteers who show up to make these moments possible. And most of all, it was a celebration of a community that lifts each other up.

While in Berlin, I had the chance to spend some time on campus, and what stood out most was the incredible sense of community. Arden staff everywhere are committed to supporting students, but in Berlin that commitment feels truly woven into everyday life.

If you’re reading this as part of our student community - whether you’re a blended or distance learner - know this: your achievements matter, your voice matters, and your journey is worth celebrating. We’re here to support you every step of the way, and we can’t wait to see the incredible things you will go on to do.