Celebrating Graduation 2024

On Thursday 27 November we were delighted to celebrate the achievements of graduating students of the UCO School of Osteopathy (formerly University College of Osteopathy) at a special ceremony at Bridge Theatre, SE1.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Tower Bridge over 500 graduates, guests, staff and dignitaries gathered to celebrate the momentous occasion.

UCO graduates were joined by other graduating students from partner institutions including the Osteopathic Centre for Animals, the Sports Medicine Ultrasound Group , and the Accademia Italiana Medicina Osteopatica based in Milan, Italy.

This year’s ceremony was also unique, celebrating the last University College of Osteopathy graduates alongside the first cohort of Health Sciences University graduates, since the UCO officially joined the HSU family in August 2024.

The ceremony was presided over by HSU Chancellor, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, who presented each graduate with their award before addressing assembled guests.

Honorary Fellowships were also awarded to Glynis Fox and Maurice Cheng, President and Chief Executive of the Institute of Osteopathy respectively, in recognition of their work supporting and championing the osteopathic profession in the UK.

Sharon Potter, Deputy Vice-Chancellor said of their Fellowships:

“As they join our institution as Honorary Fellows, we are not only recognising their contributions but also welcoming them as lifelong members of our academic community. We are truly privileged to count them among us, and we look forward to the inspiration and insights they will continue to bring to our students, alumni, and faculty."

Romy Settbon-Moore, graduate and winner of several awards including the Gold Medal for Outstanding Contribution, concluded proceedings with an address to her fellow graduates and guests. She reflected:

“We have witnessed the chaos of the world and also seen the small, meaningful ways we can make people feel a little bit safer within it.

"Thanks to you [graduates], someone somewhere can now teach their daughter cartwheels in the backyard – take the bus across town to visit their son with special needs – walk to church to dance with the girls on Sundays – or simply leave the house, all by themselves, for the first time in fifteen years.

"While we may not bring people back to life in the strictest sense, we can help bring them back to living - and I think there is no greater honour than that.”

Our thanks to everyone who attended the event and made it such a special day. We particularly send our best wishes to our graduates who are now embarking on their professional careers: as global ambassadors with a lifelong membership of the UCO and now HSU family, we hope that you will take pride in your association with our university and continue to be an active member of our community.

Please keep in touch at alumni.uco.ac.uk