Why I decided to…volunteer at Graduation

Ever thought about volunteering at our graduation ceremonies? Hear from Dr Kerry Baker, Associate Director, Warwick Institute of Engagement and discover exactly why graduation is such an exciting event to be part of!

What motivated you to volunteer at the student graduation ceremonies, and how did you first get involved?

“If I’m really, really honest, the motivation for the first time I volunteered was the opportunity to wear my PhD graduation robes again! I graduated from my PhD in the winter of 2005, no social media, no selfies, just a freezing, overcast day with an official photographer and the family taking what could accurately be described as absolutely-no-skill photos!

I’ve worked at six universities and other than the one I graduated from I’ve never got involved in graduations before, but something about Warwick’s really tempted me. It was the summer of 2022, post-Covid, and the graduation team were organising double the number of graduations to make sure students that graduated during the pandemic got their special day and the recognition they deserved - I loved that sentiment. So, I signed up. And what I experienced was a beautiful event, focused entirely on the experience of the graduating students and their families, short (as much as it can be), informal, fun and just absolutely delightful, I was hooked!”

What is your role at graduation?

“I always volunteer to be Academic Steward – to make sure the right academics are in the right place to do the campus procession, get onto stage and be there to cheer on their students, all while giving the right amount of gravitas to the ceremony in their robes and floppy hats.”

Is there a moment from a ceremony that has particularly stayed with you, and why?

“There’s quite a few really. You can always count on the wit and charm of Piers Gibbon, host and Master of Ceremonies, to make you chuckle. Even when you’ve heard the same line twenty times before, it just works. Any posthumous awards are gut-wrenching but absolutely beautiful at the same time, and then there’s the special awards for exceptional students - seeing how over and above some students have gone to be part of their university community or to help our local community is humbling.

One of the things I love most about the Warwick graduations is how focused on the students they are, and the willingness to adjust what is a finely tuned process to accommodate special wishes. I saw this in action last week when two sisters, who I’m pretty sure were twins, were graduating from the same degree. To acknowledge what I must assume is a very special bond, they walked onto the stage together, stood either side of the Chancellor for their photo together, collected their certificates together and left the stage together. I don’t know if other universities would enable that but I’m proud to be part of a university that does.”

How does volunteering at graduations connect to your sense of purpose or role within the University community?

“My role is all about community, about connecting people, about sharing and recognising and celebrating, so supporting graduations is a no-brainer as far as I’m concerned. But I’m also keen to support the Graduation team. I know what it feels like to be part of a small team with a huge responsibility and a massive impact, and if me giving a couple of hours of my time (work time!) can make things just a little easier for them, then once again, it’s a no-brainer!”

Feel inspired and want to get involved? Summer graduations will take place from 20-31 July 2026. Keep a look out for the volunteer registration sign up link and experience these very special days for yourself.