Graduates celebrate lifelong ambitions in Newport

Artist and tutor Constantina Alexander accepted her degree in Maths and Physics from The Open University on Friday. She was among 600 OU students who received their qualifications at Newport’s ICC, during the university's Wales graduation ceremony. 

“I messed up at school as a teenager in the 1970s, but that doesn’t matter with the OU,” said Constantina, 68, from Cwm Garw in Bridgend. “You have another chance to gain an academic qualification. It was great to find that I had the ability, even with gaps in my previous knowledge.”

Constantina specialises in iconography, and has work displayed across the UK and as far as Western Australia. She was even inspired to paint a canvas based on what she studied in her final astrophysics module. 

Among the graduates joining her was Denise Wheatley, 65, from Llanelli, who follows in the footsteps of her father an uncle as two former OU students. 

“Towards the end of the degree I did wonder if I would pass it, but I did and I’m so pleased and happy,” said Denise, who studied Criminology and Psychology. “It’s given me so much confidence. I always wanted to do a degree and finally I got there.”

In what has become a major annual highlight of Wales’ graduation season, students walked across the stage to receive their certificates from Presiding Officers Josie Fraser and Mark Brandon, and OU in Wales Principal and Nation Director, Ben Lewis. 

Celebrating a grass roots leader

Also recognised were film producer Berwyn Rowlands, and charity leader Momena Ali, who received honorary doctorates from the OU.  

Momena is the founder and president of EYST Wales (Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team), a charity supporting ethnic minority young people, families and communities. 

Under her leadership, EYST has grown from a small grassroots initiative into a leading Wales-wide organisation, supporting thousands of ethnic minority young people, families and communities.

Her contribution has received national recognition. In 2020, Momena received the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award, while in 2022 EYST received The Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award, recognising the outstanding contribution of its volunteers.

“Receiving this honorary degree from The Open University is incredibly humbling,” said Momena. “I have always believed that education is not simply about what we achieve for ourselves, but about how we use what we learn to serve others, show kindness and make a difference. 

“EYST itself grew from a simple desire to give something back and create opportunities for others, and over the years I have seen how one act of kindness can create a ripple effect far beyond what we ever imagine. 

“To every Open University graduate, I would say: be proud of how far you have come, but wherever life takes you, never underestimate the difference you can make by using your knowledge, your experiences and your kindness to lift others.”

“Learning isn’t something that ends when you leave school or university”

Berwyn Rowlands is a Welsh film producer, festival director and cultural leader whose career has helped transform the film and screen sector in Wales and beyond. He began organising film festivals in Wales in the late 1980s, and has spent more than three decades championing filmmakers, audiences and creative talent
Early in his career, Berwyn served as the first Chief Executive of Sgrîn: The Media Agency for Wales, where he helped strengthen Wales' screen infrastructure and development.

As the founding Director of the Iris Prize, established in 2006, he created what has become one of the world's leading LGBTQ+ film festivals and the world's largest LGBTQ+ short film prize. Under his leadership, Iris has supported emerging filmmakers from across the globe.

"Learning isn’t something that ends when you leave school or university,” said Berwyn Throughout my career I've found that curiosity, openness to new ideas and a willingness to keep learning have been just as important as any qualification. To anyone thinking about starting a degree, I'd say: don't wait for the perfect moment; investing in yourself is always worthwhile. 

“And to today's graduates, congratulations. Your achievement reflects determination, hard work and resilience, and I hope it gives you the confidence to keep learning, growing and making a positive difference throughout your life."