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33 Years Later: Student Finally Graduates
12 Feb
Summary
- A former student graduated 33 years after finishing her degree.
- She missed her original 1993 ceremony due to family reasons.
- The graduate is now 54 and was accompanied by her daughter.
A former student has finally received her degree from the University of Bristol, 33 years after completing her studies. Bee Costello-Bates, then 21, finished her politics degree in 1993 but did not attend the ceremony as her father was unwell.
Now 54, Mrs Costello-Bates pursued a career in journalism and public relations. She reconnected with the university in 2024, mentoring students through the careers service after being invited to speak at the student newspaper's Women in Media panel.
This involvement inspired her to finally graduate. She was presented with her degree by the university's vice-chancellor, Professor Evelyn Welch, at the Wills Memorial Building. She attended the ceremony with her husband and 11-year-old daughter, marking a significant and long-awaited personal milestone.
