Meet the Class of 2022 graduates following in family footsteps

Aron Davies (left) graduated wearing the robe that his grandfather Rob McGraw (right) wore during his graduation in 1965

Graduating from the University of Liverpool is a special day for all the family, and for some Class of 2022 graduates this occasion was made extra special as they followed in the footsteps of their loved ones.

Aron Davies (BEng Civil Engineering 2022) and his grandfather, Rob McGraw (BA Geography 1965)

More than 50 years after his grandfather Robin (Rob) McGraw graduated in Geography, Aron Davies celebrated receiving his first-class honours in Civil Engineering from University wearing his grandfather’s robe.

The gown was bought new in 1965 and given to Rob by his grandmother to celebrate his graduation at Liverpool, and to congratulate him for being the first family member to go to university.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by University of Liverpool (@livuni)

Eve Elizabeth Hughes (LLB Hons 2022) and her father, Mike Hughes (BA Hons Political Theory and Institutions 1989)

Class of 2022 graduate, Eve celebrated receiving her law degree in Abercromby Square, the same location her father, Mike, celebrated his degree in 1989 by recreating his picture.

Mike Hughes (right) at his graduation in 1989

Mike with his daughter Eve Hughes at her graduation in July 2022.

Eve has secured a training contract with one of Europe’s largest commercial law firms as she embarks on her career.

Whilst Mike has enjoyed a successful career at the BBC since 1991. He’s works as a football commentator, presenter and producer at BBC Radio Merseyside and has commentated on Champions League finals, FA cup and League cup finals and more than 1,000 Premier League matches.  He also covers horse racing with focus on Aintree and The Grand National and was commissioned by the BBC to do a special podcast series on the world’s most famous steeplechase.

Emily Pierce (BA Modern History and Politics 2022) and her father, James Andrew Pierce (BEng Material Science and Engineering 1991)

Making the most of her father, James’ photographs from his archive, Emily recreated his graduation pictures 30 years on from when they were originally taken.

Emily Pierce (right) recreated her dad, James’ (left) photograph in the University’s quadrangle.

Emily and her family recreating the shot outside Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral.

Emily said: “Graduating from the same institution as my dad, exactly 30 years on, was a very proud and memorable moment for us both. It was incredibly heart-warming to share my graduation celebrations but to also look back at my dad’s graduation and time here in Liverpool – we will always treasure these unique photos. Liverpool University holds a special place in both our hearts.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ems (@emilykpierce)

Luke Hodgkinson (LLB Hons Law 2022) and his father, Andy Hodgkinson (PhD Philosophy and Ethics 2006)

LLB graduate Luke followed in the footsteps of his proud father, Andy when he graduated with a first class honours degree this week. Luke’s graduation comes 20 years after his dad submitted his thesis at the University.

The pair posed for a photo in Abercromby Square, the location where Andy studied for his PhD, to commemorate this special occasion.

Do you have a similar story? Share it with the Development and Alumni Relations team via email: alumni@liverpool.ac.uk.

Category

Tags