Pembroke Alumnus Celebrates Graduation after 55 years

Brian Slater (1963, Mathematics) is proof that it’s never too late to celebrate an Oxford degree! Having graduated in absentia 55 years ago, Brian finally donned his BA gown and sat down to a College graduation lunch with his family this summer.

Brian got married in 1965, during his second year at Pembroke. In 1966, just before he was due to attend his graduation, his eldest son was born and Brian graduated in absentia. He always planned to come back down to Oxford to celebrate in some way but a young family – Brian and his wife welcomed a second son in 1969 – and a successful career in the energy industry up North kept him very busy.

Brian sadly lost his wife just before the COVID-19 pandemic and now lives in Hastings with his eldest son and daughter-in-law, Anne. Anne thought it was time that Brian celebrated his Oxford success and they decided to get in touch with Pembroke’s Academic Office.

The Pembroke team were really pleased to welcome Brian back after so many years and Brian and his family had a great day. Unfortunately Anne, the mastermind behind Brian’s return to Pembroke, tested positive for COVID-19 the day the family travelled to Oxford! Brian was joined on the day by his eldest son, his youngest son and his wife, and his grandson.