In yet another first for Reuben College, we’re delighted to have graduated the first students from our inaugural cohort.
An intimate group of two Reubenites took to the Sheldonian Theatre on Saturday 10th September in fitting academic dress. Graduation from the University of Oxford is a centuries old tradition, and the ceremony still has all the essential features of its ancient predecessors, with the proceedings still conducted in Latin. As the newest College, we look forward to creating our own graduation traditions to complement the more historic ones.
Siyi, one of the students who graduated, said: ‘As a first-year student at Reuben College, I was initially both excited and apprehensive. But when it came to the first fresher's dinner, everything made me feel that I had made the right choice! Our college president, Lionel, is a very knowledgeable and talkative person with a great sense of humour; our Senior Tutor Caroline is very energetic and enthusiastic, and my personal collage adviser Ani is a very helpful mentor. I feel truly privileged to have been a part of Reuben College and I will always cherish this experience in my future.’
Ann-Alice, our other inaugural graduand, said, ’I chose to attend Reuben because I saw it as an opportunity to be a part of amazing this start-up and to contribute in setting the ethos for the generations to come. It stands at the crossroads of tradition and progress and balances it incredibly well; the incredible Dining with Dinosaurs is only one reflection of that. Reuben’s interdisciplinarity displayed at the weekly inspiring academic talks were the highlight of my education at Oxford. The Fellows and Staff are supportive, approachable, and have always been there for me at times of need. Reuben is truly a community anybody would be lucky to join.’
Caroline Mawson, Reuben’s Senior Tutor, writes, ‘It was a privilige and honour to accompany Reuben’s very first students from matriculation to graduation. The 2021-22 cohort has exceeded our expectations on all fronts in developing a close knit, inclusive, and proactive community. To individually get to know this very special group of students has been an unparalleled joy. The College’s best wishes to Siyi and Ann-Alice, and to all who follow in their footsteps.’
See some photos from the graduation ceremony below (click to enlarge).
