After working behind the scenes at 36 Lancaster University graduation ceremonies, this week saw Helena Lee-Boaler’s turn to cross the stage.

The Cartmel JCR President and Sports Officer has worked as an administrative assistant within the Graduation team since May 2022, helping to plan and organise ceremonies, and supporting students and their families on their special day.

Now Helena is celebrating her own graduation, after achieving a 2.1 in Human Geography.

She said: “Through my work with the Graduation team, I have been able to experience the extensive work that goes on behind the scenes to make graduation possible and the care that all the staff have for making the day as special as possible for the Graduands.

“Having experienced 36 ceremonies from different aspects, it's exciting to have reached the point where I am now the one graduating along with my peers.”

Helena applied for the role to further the events management skills she had developed working on events with Cartmel JCR, and to build a portfolio of professional work experience. Following graduation, Helena will return to her position – meaning she will have worked on 48 ceremonies by the end of the week.

Alongside her administrative assistant job and college positions, Helena has also been on many committees within the Students’ Union, the University, and within the wider community. These include the Welcome Week committee, Roses committee and the Lancaster Rowing Development Group.

Helena has also been part of Lancaster University Boat Club and was the cox for the boat that recently reached the finals at Henley Women’s Regatta – breaking the club record and making the boat the most successful in club history.

She said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Lancaster University, meeting so many inspiring people and having the opportunity to gain invaluable experience which will benefit me going forward. I hope after graduation to find a career working within the events industry, where I can build on the skills I have learnt at Lancaster.”