Class of 2025 celebrated at Wrexham University’s autumn graduations
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025
Wrexham University’s class of 2025 celebrated their academic successes during this week’s graduations.
The University’s autumn graduation ceremonies saw more than 1,300 students proudly step onto the stage of the William Aston Hall to be presented with their awards.
Throughout the week, graduates shared their personal triumphs and biggest achievements, while studying at Wrexham, including Connor Townley, Applied Art graduate, who had the privilege of presenting his work to University Chancellor, Colin Jackson CBE before his ceremony on Tuesday morning.
Connor presented a small sculpture titled ‘Severed Cradle’, with the outside inspired by an insects’ nest – and the cups representing a soft cocoon, which provides protection from the rugged exterior.
Connor said: “It feels incredible to have had the opportunity to present my work to the University’s Chancellor, Colin Jackson, and I feel extremely proud of myself that I have graduated – and with a 2.1
“It’s a bittersweet day for me as although I’m proud of what I’ve achieved at university, and I’m enjoying the celebrations, it means my time here has come to an end. I’ve loved my time at Wrexham – I felt welcome and at home here from the get-go.”
The 23-year-old, who is from Blackburn, is now looking forward to the future, with ambitions of setting up a studio where he plans to sell his works, as well as teach ceramic classes locally.
Adult Nursing graduate, Sophie Foulkes from Oswestry who is now working for the NHS in the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, said: “It’s such an exciting but also nerve-wracking day but I’m so proud to be here.
“My university experience was amazing – both my studies and placements have been fantastic, and so supportive, and it’s now led me to doing a job that I love. I would really encourage anyone thinking about a career in Nursing to do it. Not only is it a hugely rewarding role where you make a difference every day, but we need more nurses. I’m incredibly proud to be a nurse.”
Fiona Christiansen, who lives near Chester, graduated after achieving her Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling, said: “As someone who returned to university to study, it’s been a transformative experience. I had always wanted to be a Counsellor but it was after Covid when I decided it was the right time for me.
“My time at Wrexham has been brilliant from completing the Introduction to Counselling short course to my Diploma, and today I’m enormously proud that I’m a qualified, person-centred counsellor and have gone onto set up my own private practice."
Joanna Gawenda, who achieved her Masters in Computer Science, spoke of her pride at coming to the end of her studies – and emphasised the importance of female representation in Computing.
She said: “I feel a real sense of achievement to be graduating today, it’s a good feeling as it’s been a lot of hard work to get to this point.
“I’m proud to be a woman that is contributing to the field of Computing, and would strongly encourage any women considering studying or a career in Computing to do it, our contributions are vital, and representation is key.”
Reflecting on his time at university, Physiotherapy graduate, Ryan Evans from Gobowen near Oswestry, said: “It feels good to be graduating – university’s been a great experience for me. The course and facilities at Wrexham are fantastic and I’d say the best part about it, for me, were the lecturers, their knowledge and support have been exceptional throughout.
“My next steps are doing my Master’s, and I’m also working in private practice, as well as for a number of football clubs including Airbus UK Broughton.”
Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering graduate, Evan Elliston said: “I’m proud to be stood here today at my graduation after a fantastic three years studying at Wrexham.
“As a hands-on, practical type of learner, the course has been brilliant for me – and I’m pleased to already be utilising some of what I’ve learnt while at university in my current role as a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Engineer and I’m excited for future opportunities that come my way.
“I would encourage anyone thinking about going to university to go for it. Speaking from my own experience, there are so many positives to university in terms of personal growth, plus it shows that you’re able to persevere and are committed.”
Hannah Russell-Paul from Liverpool, who studied Accounting and Finance, said: “I’m so excited to have graduated today, it’s been a long three years but I’ve made it, and I couldn’t be happier.
“I’ve had an incredible time at university, the support here has been amazing. When deciding to apply at Wrexham it was the student satisfaction and teaching quality ratings that really attracted me to come here, and I can personally vouch for that.
“I’m now looking forward to what’s next – and securing a job that’s relevant to my degree.”
Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor, said: “Graduation is an incredibly special milestone in our academic calendar – it’s a time to celebrate the hard work, determination and achievements of our students, and to recognise the wonderful support of their families, friends and of course, our dedicated staff and university community.
"This year’s autumn graduation ceremonies hold important significance as we continue to bring to life our new vision and strategy. Our graduates embody the spirit of that vision – confident, capable and community-minded individuals, who will go on to make a valuable impact in their communities, professions and the wider world.
“I offer my warmest congratulations to all of our graduates, the class of 2025, who leave us as proud ambassadors of Wrexham University.”
This week’s graduation celebrations also marked Chancellor, Colin Jackson CBE’s final ceremonies during his tenure, which comes to an end next month.
Speaking about his time as Chancellor, Colin said: “It has been the greatest honour and privilege to have served as Wrexham University’s Chancellor – and it’s been a delight to round off a wonderful six years with this week’s graduation ceremonies.
“Reflecting back on my time as Chancellor, it certainly hasn’t felt like six years at all but there have been some huge changes in that time. It’s been remarkable to see Wrexham University grow in so many ways – from some incredible campus developments to its rebranding in 2023 – and its strengthening reputation as an institution that empowers and transforms the lives of its students and the wider community.
“I will miss everyone at the University, and would like to thank everyone, from the staff and students, both past and present, for their kindness during my time as Chancellor.”
Professor Yates added: “Throughout his tenure, Colin has been and will continue to be, an inspiration to our staff, students and alumni. He has been a wonderful ambassador for Wrexham University, bringing immense dignity and warmth to his role as Chancellor. He will be greatly missed by all at Wrexham.”