Welcome to the Class of 2025

Jonny Brownlee (History 2012; Hon LLD 2013)

Naga Munchetty (English Literature and Language 1997)

Liangtong Lu (MA Design 2018)

Class of 2024, listen up: Life is like the London Underground—there will be delays and wrong turns, but eventually, you’ll reach your destination. Go forth and be someone who dares to dream, dares to fight, and dares to persevere. Through your hard work, create a legendary story that is uniquely yours.

Ashley Kingston (Automotive Engineering 2003)

Never be afraid to take all opportunities. Even when you doubt your own abilities. Also, don't be afraid or starting your own business. I've worked with clients and on projects I would have never have had the opportunity to be involved in had I stayed in regular employment. Take a chance!

Stella Woods (French Language and Literature 1982)

The world will change so much in your lifetime that any obstacles you face now (real or perceived) are likely to disappear with the advent of fresh ideas and discoveries; changing fashions; unforeseen political and social changes and amazing new opportunities and technologies.

Your goals and dreams will most certainly change as you go through life. There will be successes and failures. Don't fall into the trap of comparing your current situation and prospects with those of previous generations or feeling envious of others. Make the most of what you have right now and do your best, knowing you've graduated from a university that ranks in the top 1% in the world. Enjoy life on this wonderful planet and don't take yourself too seriously!

Florence Nagaratnam (English 1996)

Congrats. Keep an open mind. Think out of the box. Be honest, sincere and tough. Work hard.

Christopher Lee (Geography 1980)

Have confidence in your ability. You have learnt more than you realise by your experience of gaining a degree at Leeds. You are in work along time, it’s a marathon not a sprint. Learn from the setbacks that will inevitably occur in your future journey. Be proud of what you have achieved.

Colin Jones (Mechanical Engineering 1970)

You will never forget your graduation and indeed your time at Leeds but remember it’s a springboard. What you achieve in work and how you ethically approach your career and how you treat others is what will ultimately define you. Good luck for your future.

Jonathan Sharp (Chinese Studies 1967)

Don't be afraid to aim high. Studying Chinese at Leeds was a genuine life-changer for me. It set me on my 30-year career as a foreign correspondent reporting top news stories in more than 30 countries. The best advice I received on becoming a journalist was: Learn to write well and have a lot of common sense.

Anusha Bilal (MSc Food Quality and Innovation 2024)

Take a moment to be proud of how far you've come, this is a big milestone! One thing I wish someone had told me when I graduated is that it's ok not to have everything figured out. Your path may twist, pause, or completely change, and that’s normal.

What matters is staying open, staying curious, and trusting yourself along the way. Keep showing up, even when it’s hard. Your efforts will carry you further than you think.

Wishing you confidence, clarity, and courage for the road ahead. You’ve got this!

Jieying Wu (MSc Business Psychology 2019)

Please remember, the meaning of life is not only about achieving goals but also about savoring the process. Cherish every moment and appreciate the beauty and happiness in life. 毕业快乐，愿你所愿皆能如愿！

Liz Kingett (MA Applied Translation 2016)

There's no job that doesn't teach you something. Even if you don't like your first job, it will help you to learn what you're looking for in a career, by teaching you what you don't enjoy.

James Story (Cinema & Photography 2012)

I'd recommend specialising as early as possible and getting really good at one thing in particular - good enough for people to rely on you for it. This will make you comfortable and confident in your value while you broaden your skills in the future.

El Craig (MA Advertising and Design 2022)

You made it through the all-nighters, deadlines, dodgy group projects, and questionable 3am takeaways.

Don’t stress if you don’t have it all figured out yet. Most people are just winging it - with confidence. Say yes to things that scare you (but not in a “I’ll regret this in 20 minutes” kind of way), stay curious, and be kind — it’ll get you further than you think. Here’s to the next chapter. Go and be brilliant!

Sarah Arthur (1988)

Congratulations to all the graduates. We loved our time at Leeds – 35 years on and four housemates just back from a week’s holiday together. Keep an open mind and let your knowledge, experiences and friendships help you as you all build your future lives.

Wentao Guo (MSc Materials Science and Engineering 2022)

Happy graduation! All the best wishes to all graduates! I hope you find your own path and achieve your dreams. Welcome to the big family.

Tasha Bialecki (Physics 2022)

Graduating is scary, especially if you're not sure what's next for you, but try to trust the process. I had no idea where my career would go after my undergraduate at Leeds, but three years later and I'm doing my PhD at another incredible institution. You will find the path that's meant for you!

Sometimes it just takes longer than you think, don't compare your journey to others. Also, try to let go of things that don't bring you joy. Life's to short to hold onto what doesn't serve you.

Congratulations on your graduation!! Try and get some rest, and best of luck for the future.

Winnie Webb (Professional Studies 2024)

I am sending my warm congratulations to the class of 2025 graduates this year. I hope you enjoy your big day. You worked hard and it is your time to celebrate. Well done again.