UA92 Graduation, Organised by Saving Grace Events

Earlier this year, Saving Grace Events delivered the first-ever graduation ceremony for University Academy 92 (UA92).

 

ABOUT UA92

Established in 2017, UA92 is a dynamic and exciting higher education provider. This game-changing concept was co-founded by Lancaster University and the Manchester United class of ’92, including Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville, and Nicky Butt. Based in Old Trafford, UA92 offers more than degrees. The university also provides preparation for life, with an emphasis on personal development and work ethic. UA92 was a really exciting client for Saving Grace Events to work with!

 

THE BRIEF

As UA92’s first graduation ceremony, this event for over 500 people had to be special. Taking place at The Point, Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, on Sunday 10th July, UA92 wanted to deliver a deliberately different graduation experience. This was to be an event that infused the best elements of traditional ceremonies with a modern twist. Saving Grace Events set to transforming this idea into a reality.

 

OUR SOLUTION TO THE BRIEF

Encompassing the central philosophy of UA92, the theme for the event was ‘Greatness Unlocked’.

Months of meticulous planning went into this event, with the Saving Grace Events team working closely alongside the team at UA92 to celebrate the first cohort of students. This included the organisation of the entertainment for both the main ceremony and the after-party. We also worked with our AV team to design the staging and production, which needed to be high-impact and more like a BRIT awards ceremony than a standard graduation. Another big part of what we did was the on-the-day production management, ensuring that a very complicated programme ran to schedule and with perfectly timed music and visuals. The whole event had a modern feel to it, to reflect the revolutionary aims of the uni.

The graduation kicked off with a welcome address by Gary Neville. He shared the ambition of making higher education possible for everyone – inclusive, diverse, and removing barriers.

Graduates were then treated to inspiring poetry by Argh Kid, aka wordsmith sensation David Scott. There was also music from String Infusion, before the event finished with drinks and music by DJ SteveO.

Attendees included UA92 co-founders Gary Neville and Nicky Butt,  plus Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. Sir Alex Ferguson inspired the new graduates with a moving speech.

 

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

It was a great honour to win the pitch for this incredible celebration for the first students of UA92. Our aim was to create a modern and inspiring graduation event, with a difference. We ensured our event aligned with the core philosophies of UA92, to provide a sparkling celebration for the Class of 22. Saving Grace Events achieved this aim, with great feedback from the client:

“With the support of Rebecca and her team we were able to deliver an event which formed a key milestone in UA92’s history in the making.” – Stacey Anderson, Head of Marketing at UA92.