graduation thesis thanks

The Acknowledgements Section

How to write the acknowledgements for your thesis or dissertation

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewers: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | January 2024

Writing the acknowledgements section of your thesis might seem straightforward, but it’s more than just a list of names . In this post, we’ll unpack everything you need to know to write up a rock-solid acknowledgements section for your dissertation or thesis.

Overview: The Acknowledgements

• What (exactly) is the acknowledgements section?

Who should you acknowledge?

• How to write the section
• Practical example
• Free acknowledgements template
• Key takeaways

What is the acknowledgements section?

The acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation is where you give thanks to the people who contributed to your project’s success. Generally speaking, this is a relatively brief, less formal section.  

With the acknowledgements section, you have the opportunity to show appreciation for the guidance, support, and resources provided by others during your research journey. We’ll unpack the exact contents, order and structure of this section in this post.

Need a helping hand?

Although this is a less “academic” section, acknowledging the right people in the correct order is still important. Typically, you’ll start with the most formal (academic) support received, before moving on to other types of support.

Here’s a suggested order that you can follow when writing up your acknowledgements:

Level 1: Supervisors and academic staff

Start with those who have provided you with academic guidance, including your supervisor, advisors, and other faculty members.

Level 2: Funding bodies or sponsors

If your research was funded, acknowledging these organisations is essential. You don’t need to get into the specifics of the funding, but you should recognise the important role that this made in bringing your project to life.

Level 3: Colleagues and peers

Next you’ll want to mention those who contributed intellectually to your work, including your fellow cohort members and researchers.

Level 4: Family, friends and pets

Last but certainly not least, you should acknowledge your personal (non-academic) support system – those who have provided emotional and moral support. If Fido kept you company during those long nights hunched over the keyboard, you can also thank him here 🙂

As you can see, the order of the acknowledgements goes from the most academic to the least . Importantly, your thesis or dissertation supervisor (sometimes also called an advisor) generally comes first . This is because they are typically the person most involved in shaping your project (or at least, they should be). Plus, they’re oftentimes involved in marking your final work and so a kind word never hurts…

All that said, remember that your acknowledgements section is personal . So, feel free to adjust this order, but do pay close attention to any guidelines or rules provided by your university. If they specify a certain order or set of contents, follow their instructions to the letter.

How to write the acknowledgements section

In terms of style, try to strike a balance between conveying a formal tone and a personal touch . In practical terms, this means that you should use plain, straightforward language (this isn’t the time for heavy academic jargon), but avoid using any slang, nicknames, etc.

As a guide, you’ll typically use some of the following phrases in the acknowledgements section:

I would like to express my appreciation to… for their help with… I’m particularly grateful to… as they provided… I could not have completed this project without… as this allowed me to… Special thanks to… who did… I had the pleasure of working with… who helped me… I’d also like to recognise… who assisted me with…

In terms of positioning, the acknowledgements section is typically in the preliminary matter , most commonly after the abstract and before the table of contents. In terms of length, this section usually spans one to three paragraphs , but there’s no strict word limit (unless your university’s brief states otherwise, of course).

If you’re unsure where to place your acknowledgements or what length to make this section, it’s a good idea to have a look at past dissertations and theses from your university and/or department to get a clearer view of what the norms are.

Practical Example

Alright, let’s look at an example to give you a better idea of what this section looks like in practice.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Professor Smith, whose expertise and knowledge were invaluable during this research. My sincere thanks also go to the University Research Fund for their financial support.   I am deeply thankful to my colleagues, John and Jane, for their insightful discussions and moral support. Lastly, I must acknowledge my family for their unwavering love and encouragement. Without your support, this project would not have been possible.

As you can see in this example, the section is short and to the point , working from formal support through to personal support. If you’re interested, you can explore a few more examples here .

To simplify the process, we’ve created a free template for the acknowledgements section. If you’re interested, you can download a copy here .

FAQs: Acknowledgements

Can i include some humour in my acknowledgements.

A touch of light humour is okay, but keep it appropriate and professional. Remember that this is still part of an academic document.

Can I acknowledge someone who provided informal or emotional support?

Yes, you can thank anyone who offered emotional support, motivation, or even informal advice that helped you during your studies. This can include friends, family members, or a mentor/coach who provided guidance outside of an academic setting.

Should I mention any challenges or difficulties I faced during my research?

While the acknowledgements section is primarily for expressing gratitude, briefly mentioning significant challenges you overcame can highlight the importance of the support you received. That said, you’ll want to keep the focus on the gratitude aspect and avoid delving too deeply into the challenges themselves.

Can I acknowledge the contribution of participants in my research?

Absolutely. If your research involved participants, especially in fields like social sciences or human studies, acknowledging their contribution is not only courteous but also an ethical practice. It shows respect for their participation and contribution to your research.

How do I acknowledge posthumous gratitude, for someone who passed away during my study period?

Acknowledging a deceased individual who played a significant role in your academic journey can be done respectfully. Mention them in the same way you would a living contributor, perhaps adding a note of remembrance.

For example, “I would like to posthumously acknowledge John McAnders for their invaluable advice and support in the early stages of this research.”.

Is there a limit to the number of people I can acknowledge?

How do i acknowledge a group or organisation.

When thanking a group or organization, mention the entity by name and, if applicable, include specific individuals within the organization who were particularly helpful.

For example, “I extend my thanks to The Speakers Foundation for their support, particularly Mr Joe Wilkins, for their guidance.”

Recap: Key Takeaways

Writing the acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation is an opportunity to express gratitude to everyone who helped you along the way.

Remember to:

• Acknowledge those people who significantly contributed to your research journey
• Order your thanks from formal support to personal support
• Maintain a balance between formal and personal tones
• Keep it concise

In a nutshell, use this section to reflect your appreciation in a genuinely and professionally way.

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How to write acknowledgements in a thesis or dissertation

Navigating the intricate process of writing a thesis or dissertation can be challenging.

One crucial, yet often overlooked part is the thesis acknowledgement. It is also the only bit of my thesis that anyone really reads.

This section allows you to express gratitude to those who contributed to your academic journey. From supervisors and professors to family and friends, the acknowledgement section provides a platform to thank all who played a part in your work.

Whether you’re unsure about how to begin or looking for the best ways to acknowledge your mentors, this blog will provide valuable insights and practical advice to help you create an impactful thesis acknowledgement.

What is your thesis acknowledgement?

A thesis acknowledgement is a section in your thesis where you express gratitude to those who helped and supported you during your research and writing process.

It typically comprises two parts: professional and personal acknowledgements.

• Professional acknowledgements include your supervisor, colleagues, other academics, funding bodies, or institutions that significantly contributed to your work.
• Personal acknowledgements encompass your family and friends who provided emotional support or helped with editing and proofreading.

The acknowledgements section is usually more informal than the rest of your thesis , and it’s acceptable to write in the first person. It’s typically placed at the beginning of your thesis, either before the abstract or the table of contents.

Although the length may vary, it usually doesn’t exceed one page. It’s crucial to plan ahead, listing everyone you wish to thank and consider their specific contribution to your work.

Who to thank in your acknowledgements

In your acknowledgements, you should first thank the members of academia who contributed to your research, including:

• funding bodies,
• supervisors,
• professors,
• proofreaders,
• and research participants.

Mention them using their full names and titles.

If an authoritative figure in your field provided feedback, their acknowledgement adds weight to your research.

Despite the circumstances, a brief thank you to your supervisor is necessary.

Personal acknowledgements can include friends, family members, or even pets who provided inspiration or support during the writing process. Always refer to your university’s guidelines on acknowledgements.

Creating an acknowledgement can be slightly subjective, as the order and individuals to be thanked can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the work and the author’s preferences.

However, generally, this example follows a common structure:

The order can be customized based on the importance of the roles these individuals played in the author’s journey.

Some may prefer to thank family or significant others first, while others might start with professional relationships such as advisors or collaborators.

It’s also crucial to keep in mind that the way of expressing gratitude can differ significantly between cultures and individuals.

How Long Should My Acknowledgements Be?

The length of an acknowledgement section varies depending on the individual and the nature of the project.

Some people prefer to keep their acknowledgements brief and only thank those individuals who made significant contributions to their work.

Others may choose to include a more extensive list of people, such as mentors, colleagues, and friends, who provided support and encouragement throughout the process.

In general, it is recommended to keep your acknowledgements concise and focused on those who had a direct impact on the project

. Including a heartfelt thank you to these individuals is a meaningful way to show appreciation for their efforts.

However, it is important not to get carried away and turn the acknowledgement page into a long list of names. Remember that the focus should be on quality rather than quantity, as the acknowledgement section should not overshadow the main content of the project. 

Where Should My Acknowledgements Go?

The placement of your acknowledgements can vary, but it’s typically located in the first part of your thesis.

Mine is right after the abstract and before the introduction of my PhD thesis. 

You can place it right before your dissertation abstract or before the table of contents. However, the exact positioning may depend on the guidelines and requirements provided by your university.

Always ensure to check your university’s formatting requirements to be sure you’ve chosen the correct location for your acknowledgements section. 

Thesis acknowledgement examples

Here is my PhD thesis acknowledgement.

Here are some sentence starters that you can use for inspiration:

1. “This thesis acknowledgement is a tribute to all the people who made my academic journey worthwhile.” 2. “I would like to thank my supervisor, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in the completion of this thesis.” 3. “In this acknowledgement section, I extend my deepest gratitude to all who have walked with me on this challenging but fulfilling journey.” 4. “Firstly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the academic staff who provided their invaluable expertise and guidance.” 5. “My thesis would not have been possible without the endless help and support from my colleagues.” 6. “Special thanks go to my family, whose constant encouragement fueled my perseverance during the completion of this dissertation.” 7. “In the professional acknowledgements, I would like to acknowledge the significant contributions made by my research participants.” 8. “I would also like to thank the funding bodies, whose financial support made this research possible.” 9. “Through this acknowledgment, I express my heartfelt gratitude to my friends who have been my pillars of strength.” 10. “The completion of this thesis or dissertation is the culmination of efforts from various individuals whom I would like to express my sincere appreciation.” 11. “This thesis acknowledgement section is an opportunity to give thanks to those who made this journey less daunting.” 12. “I would like to express my gratitude to my editor, whose meticulous proofreading greatly improved my thesis.” 13. “Without their dedication, this thesis would not have been possible.” 14. “I express my sincere gratitude to all those whose names appear in this acknowledgement for their invaluable input.” 15. “In this acknowledgement for my thesis, I extend my appreciation to all those who have been part of this journey.”

Top tips to write acknowledgements

• Plan Ahead : Make a list of the people you want to acknowledge and their specific contributions to your work.
• Follow University Guidelines : Check your university’s formatting and content guidelines to ensure your acknowledgements adhere to them.
• Use First Person : Unlike the rest of your thesis, the acknowledgements can be written in the first person.
• Keep it Brief : The acknowledgement section should generally not exceed one page. Be concise and precise in expressing your gratitude.
• Maintain Professional-Personal Order : Start with professional acknowledgements (e.g., supervisors, colleagues, funders) before moving on to personal ones (e.g., friends, family).
• Be Specific : Highlight the specific contributions each person or organization made to your thesis.
• Use Full Names and Titles : When acknowledging academic contributors, use their full names and appropriate titles.
• Use Informal Language : Acknowledgements can be written in a more informal style, but avoid colloquial language.
• Proofread : Ensure your acknowledgements are free of spelling and grammar errors.
• Be Genuine and Sincere : The acknowledgements section should sincerely reflect your gratitude to the people who helped you in your academic journey.

Wrapping up – writing your acknowledgements section

As we reach the conclusion of this informative journey into the art of writing acknowledgements for a thesis or dissertation, it’s clear that this often-overlooked section carries significant emotional and professional weight.

A dissertation acknowledgements page is more than just a list of names; it’s a chance to express genuine gratitude and give due credit to all who have contributed to your academic journey. 

Remember, writing this section of your thesis isn’t an obligatory chore but a genuine opportunity to thank those who supported you.

From the tireless members of your thesis committee to the friends and family who offered emotional support, it’s a platform to acknowledge all the people who helped.

From mentors who provided expert guidance, colleagues who offered invaluable insights, to the institutions that funded your research – everyone deserves a heartfelt note of thanks.

Sample acknowledgements in a thesis often include both professional acknowledgements first, followed by personal ones, ensuring that all contributors are recognized appropriately. Always remember to use full names and titles for professional acknowledgements, and express your gratitude sincerely.

The acknowledgement page isn’t a place for long tales, jokes or anecdotes; instead, keep your acknowledgements concise, specific, and heartfelt.

As shown in the thesis acknowledgement examples, you should reflect on the people and organizations that significantly contributed to your research or writing, whether in a substantial technical manner or through support and guidance throughout the process. 

Studentship that allowed you to pursue your research, faculty who guided your studies, even friends who provided distractions when they were most needed – all these contributors deserve your thanks. Remember, it’s okay to use their first names for those who’ve been part of your personal journey, but for professional acknowledgments, full names and titles are recommended. 

As a PhD student, your acknowledgements should reflect your journey – the struggles, the triumphs, and most importantly, the people who have helped you along the way. Whether you include a list of names in alphabetical order, or you decide to group people or organizations, remember to be genuine, concise, and respectful. 

Whether it’s a thesis dedication to a mentor, expressing gratitude to your parents, thanking your friends for their love and encouragement, or even including certain political aspects that influenced your research, the acknowledgments section is yours to personalize. 

Writing a thesis or dissertation is a monumental task, and the people who support you through it are worth acknowledging. Keep this guide in mind when you write your thesis acknowledgements, and don’t forget to thank those who’ve been there for you – for in the journey of research and writing, no one truly walks alone. 

The last sentence may be a heartfelt statement, “I would like to express my gratitude to all those who walked with me throughout my research journey – your support was my strength, and this achievement is as much yours as it is mine.”

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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• Acknowledgements for PhD Thesis and Dissertations – Explained
• Doing a PhD

The Purpose of Acknowledgements

The acknowledgement section of a thesis or dissertation is where you recognise and thank those who supported you during your PhD. This can be but is not limited to individuals, institutions or organisations.

Although your acknowledgements will not be used to evaluate your work, it is still an important section of your thesis. This is because it can have a positive (or negative for that matter) influence the perception of your reader before they even reach the main body of your work.

Who Should I Acknowledge?

Acknowledgements for a PhD thesis will typically fall into one of two categories – professional or personal.

Within these categories, who you thank will ultimately be your decision. However, it’s imperative that you pay special attention to the ‘professional’ group. This is because not thanking someone who has played an important role in your studies, whether it be intentional or accidental, will more often than not be seen as a dismissal of their efforts. Not only would this be unfair if they genuinely helped you, but from a certain political aspect, it could also jeopardise any opportunities for future collaborations .

Professional Acknowledgements

This may include, but is not limited to:

• Funding bodies/sponsorship providers
• Supervisors
• Research group and lab assistants
• Research participants
• Proofreaders

Personal Acknowledgements

• Key family members and friends
• Individuals who inspired you or directly influenced your academic journey
• Anyone else who has provided personal support that you would like to mention

It should be noted that certain universities have policies which state only those who have directly supported your work, such as supervisors and professors, should be included in your acknowledgements. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you read your university guidelines before writing this section of your thesis.

How to Write Acknowledgements for PhD Thesis

When producing this section, your writing style can be more informal compared to the rest of your thesis. This includes writing in first person and using more emotive language. Although in most cases you will have complete freedom in how you write this section of your thesis, it is still highly advisable to keep it professional. As mentioned earlier, this is largely because it will be one of the first things your assessors will read, and so it will help set the tone for the rest of your work.

In terms of its structure, acknowledgements are expected to be ordered in a manner that first recognises the most formal support before moving onto the less formal support. In most cases, this follows the same order that we have outlined in the ‘Who Should I Thank’ section.

When thanking professionals, always write out their full name and provide their title. This is because although you may be on a first-name basis with them, those who read your thesis will not. By providing full names and titles, not only do you help ensure clarity, but it could also indirectly contribute to the credibility of your thesis should the individual you’re thanking be well known within your field.

If you intend to include a list of people from one institution or organisation, it is best to list their names in alphabetical order. The exception to this is when a particular individual has been of significant assistance; here, it would be advisable to list them.

How Long Should My Acknowledgements Be?

Acknowledgements vary considerably in length. Some are a single paragraph whilst some continue for up to three pages. The length of your acknowledgement page will mostly depend on the number of individuals you want to recognise.

As a general rule, try to keep your acknowledgements section to a single page. Although there are no word limits, creating a lengthy acknowledgements section dilutes the gratitude you’re trying to express, especially to those who have supported you the most.

Where Should My Acknowledgements Go?

In the vast majority of cases, your acknowledgements should appear directly after your abstract and before your table of contents.

However, we highly advise you to check your university guidelines as a few universities set out their own specific order which they will expect you to follow.

Phrases to Help You Get Started

We appreciate how difficult it can be to truly show how grateful you are to those who have supported you over the years, especially in words.

To help you get started, we’ve provided you with a few examples of sentences that you can complete or draw ideas from.

• I am deeply grateful to XXX…
• I would like to express my sincere gratitude to XXX…
• I would like to offer my special thanks to XXX…
• I would like to extend my sincere thanks to XXX…
• …for their assistance at every stage of the research project.
• …for their insightful comments and suggestions.
• …for their contribution to XXX.
• …for their unwavering support and belief in me.

Thesis Acknowledgement Examples

Below are three PhD thesis acknowledgment samples from which you can draw inspiration. It should be noted that the following have been extracted from theses which are freely available in the public domain. Irrespective of this, references to any individual, department or university have been removed for the sake of privacy.

First and foremost I am extremely grateful to my supervisors, Prof. XXX and Dr. XXX for their invaluable advice, continuous support, and patience during my PhD study. Their immense knowledge and plentiful experience have encouraged me in all the time of my academic research and daily life. I would also like to thank Dr. XXX and Dr. XXX for their technical support on my study. I would like to thank all the members in the XXX. It is their kind help and support that have made my study and life in the UK a wonderful time. Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to my parents, my wife and my children. Without their tremendous understanding and encouragement in the past few years, it would be impossible for me to complete my study.

I would like to thank my supervisors Dr. XXX and Dr. XXX for all their help and advice with this PhD. I would also like to thank my sisters, whom without this would have not been possible. I also appreciate all the support I received from the rest of my family. Lastly, I would like to thank the XXX for the studentship that allowed me to conduct this thesis.

I would like to thank my esteemed supervisor – Dr. XXX for his invaluable supervision, support and tutelage during the course of my PhD degree. My gratitude extends to the Faculty of XXX for the funding opportunity to undertake my studies at the Department of XXX, University of XXX. Additionally, I would like to express gratitude to Dr. XXX for her treasured support which was really influential in shaping my experiment methods and critiquing my results. I also thank Dr. XXX, Dr. XXX, Dr. XXX for their mentorship. I would like to thank my friends, lab mates, colleagues and research team – XXX, XXX, XXX, XXX for a cherished time spent together in the lab, and in social settings. My appreciation also goes out to my family and friends for their encouragement and support all through my studies.

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Thesis acknowledgements: Samples and how to write your own thesis or dissertation acknowledgements

Writing a thesis can be tricky. That’s why I’m starting a new series covering each section of the thesis, from thesis acknowledgements all the way to conclusions. I’ll be guiding you through the whole process, from what to include in your thesis to how to write it, along with examples from defended theses to help you to write your own.

We’ll begin by covering thesis acknowledgments. The acknowledgements section appears at the start of the thesis so it is often one of the first parts that everyone tries to tackle. As this will likely be your first taste of your thesis it can often feel quite intimidating to write!

Thankfully it’s also one of the easiest parts of the thesis to complete, which may help to give you a boost for the rest.

In this post we’ll cover everything to do with thesis acknowledgements: samples, what to include and how to write them. At the end I’ll also outline a 60 minute exercise which will get you preparing a first draft of your own! I’ve also got a similar post to craft your thesis title, which you can check out here .

I’m writing this post with a PhD thesis in mind but it could work just as well if you’re looking for help including acknowledgements in your Master’s or undergraduate thesis/ dissertation.

What is the purpose of the acknowledgements section in a thesis?

The acknowledgements section of your thesis is an opportunity to reflect on the people who have supported and shaped your PhD experience.

Don’t worry, although your examiners will be interested to read your acknowledgements section, you won’t really get judged on it in your PhD viva. This section is for you to share as little, or as much, as you want about everyone involved in your PhD journey.

The acknowledgements are a very personal section of your thesis and each PhD student will have different things they want to include. For example, many people wonder: How do I thank my family in a thesis? And the acknowledgements section is the answer!

Note – You can also use a thesis dedication to thank your family. This is a separate section to your thesis acknowledgements and is entirely optional. It’s usually just a single line, just like you might find at the front of some books. Most people don’t include a separate dedication section but you can if you want to go that extra step.

What to include in your thesis acknowledgements

There are usually no formal requirements dictating what to include in your acknowledgements. However, do double check for any potential rules at your specific institution.

In general the acknowledgements are the section of your thesis where you have some creative liberty and are not bound by rigid research protocols or guidelines.

Many students choose to use the acknowledgements section to thank people (or organisations) who:

• Introduced them to the topic
• Helped with their PhD application
• Funded the project
• Supervisors
• Technicians
• Partners, friends or family
• Or anyone else who made an impression along the way!

But remember, you can include whatever you want! For example in my own PhD acknowledgements, which you’ll read further down this post, I thanked the university for providing a green outdoor space for us.

Acknowledge whoever and whatever influenced your own PhD experience.

You may find it helpful to start by writing a list of everyone you wish to thank.

How do you write an acknowledgements section?

Since there are no guidelines to worry about, it is really up to you how you write your own thesis acknowledgements. You have a lot of freedom for what to include and how to write it.

However you may find the following suggested phases helpful as a starting point.

Who you want to thank…

• “First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to…”
• “I must thank…”
• “A special thanks to…”
• “I would like to highlight two truly exceptional people from…”
• “I want to thank…”
• “In addition, I would like to mention”
• “I would also like to extend my thanks to…”
• “I want to give my deepest appreciation to…”
• “Finally, but the most importantly, I would like to thank…”

…then, why you want to thank them

It can be nice to also include why you’re thanking these people, using phrases such as:

• “…for the opportunity to be a part of this project”
• “…for always being there when I needed his support, reviewing my progress constantly, and guiding me through my PhD studies”
• “….for being a great bunch of people in and out of the lab”
• …”for all the guidance, support and outstanding feedback”
• “… who took their time to help teach me…”
• “…for her unlimited support and unconditional guidance during my PhD journey”
• “…were always there for discussions about anything that I was unsure on”
• “…whom has offered invaluable advice that will benefit me throughout my life”
• “…for supporting me since my undergraduate, and for the valuable discussions we had along the road”
• “…for making the past 4 years much more enjoyable and keeping me sane throughout the whole process”

Here is a whole example from an accepted PhD thesis:

Firstly, I want to thank [supervisor’s name(s)] for giving me the opportunity to work on this project, providing valuable guidance and feedback, and challenging me to grow as a scientist.  Excerpt from Dr Wane’s thesis acknowledgements, available via this page or use this direct download link .

Some people will choose to use full names and titles for any professional acknowledgements and first names for any personal ones. Again, this is up to you.

To help illustrate the variety of thesis acknowledgement formats, we’ll shortly be coming on to some examples of acknowledgment sections from successfully defended theses.

Before then I want to cover some of the main questions relating to how to write your own thesis acknowledgements section:

How long should you spend writing your thesis acknowledgements?

My suggestion is to spend only an hour or two making a first draft. I suggest doing this well ahead of your final deadline so that you have time to come back to it. Even so, I’d certainly look to spend far less than one day’s work on it in total.

It is a “nice to have” and means a lot to a lot of people, but remember you’re really only writing this section for yourself. I probably spent about two hours writing mine in total, simply because it wasn’t a priority for me.

What order should you write your acknowledgements in?

A typical way to write your acknowledgements is to go from the most formal/academic relationships to the least.

It is normal to start with any funding bodies, then formal people like your PhD supervisors, then move through labmates, friends and family. But again, there are generally no rules!

How long should the acknowledgements section be?

You can include as much or as little as you want. My own PhD acknowledgements section was just under a page long and it consisted of 386 words or 1892 characters (without spaces).

Here is how it was formatted:

But let’s not just look at my thesis. Using Imperial’s publicly accessible database I went through 25 published PhD theses for you.

The average (mean) length of these 25 theses was 365 words and 1793 characters without spaces. Writing an acknowledgements section of length 350-450 words was the most common:

The shortest acknowledgements sections was 122 words(653 characters) long. The longest one consisted of 1022 words and 5082 characters. Hopefully this illustrates that you’re not really bound by any limits. Write as much or as little as you want for this section.

Sample thesis acknowledgements

My own phd thesis acknowledgement.

My own PhD thesis is available here *, the acknowledgements section is on page 5. Here is the complete version of my acknowledgements section:

I would like to acknowledge both EPSRC and the Class of 1964 Scholarship for their financial support. It has been an honour to be the inaugural recipient of the Class of 1964 Scholarship and I am indebted to the donors in providing me complete academic freedom in this research. An immense thank you to my PhD supervisors: Jonathan Jeffers, Ulrich Hansen and Julian Jones. Support and guidance throughout the project from you all has been invaluable. JJ in particular you’ve been a fantastic primary supervisor. Thank you to all the academics who helped me get to this stage. The late Dr Kajal Mallick and his Biomedical Materials course at the University of Warwick was a huge influence and without which I would have never followed this path. My “pre-doc” supervisors in Dr Helen Lee of University of Cambridge and in particular the remarkable Prof Judith Hall OBE of Cardiff University from whom I learned so much. Thanks to Alison Paul and Michael Lim for being so supportive when I was considering applying for PhDs. It has been an amazing experience working between two research groups across different departments, thanks to everyone from the Biomechanics and JRJ groups I’ve worked with and from whom I’ve learned so much. Thank you of course to the Hybrids team I’ve worked so closely on this project with: Fra, Gloria, Agathe, Maria, Silvia, it’s been great fun working with you all! Gloria in particular thanks for you all your help, support and friendship: your inclusivity is appreciated by many. Saman, I’ve been so pleased to have you working on DVC with me and being able to discuss ideas with you really has been invaluable. I am grateful to everyone I’ve collaborated with externally: Farah, Amin and Brett (Natural History Museum) plus Andy and Behzad (Royal Veterinary College), thank you all for your support and input. Thanks also to everyone I’ve met through the Environmental Society at Imperial in particular Chelcie: your friendship and support have added a lot to my life. Thanks to Imperial for providing space for the ESoc garden, taking a break and enjoy nature in this space has certainly improved my work. Thanks of course to my family for their support. Finally, thank you Jo for always being so supportive and helping me every step of the way. My PhD thesis, available here . Acknowledgements are on page 5.

*For me the thesis was a means to an end. I wanted my PhD and didn’t want to spend too long agonising over each page. Therefore, it is possible there are typos in there, if you read any of it: firstly well done, I haven’t looked at it much since submitting the final copy, secondly, please don’t tell me about any typos you find!

Other PhD thesis acknowledgement examples

Below are the other 24 published and openly accessible STEM PhD theses I found for this article.

For each person’s thesis, either follow the first link to be taken to the landing page or follow the second link to directly download their thesis: I gave you a choice in case you don’t want stuff to start downloading automatically from a random text link!

The list is formatted as follows:

• [Link to thesis page on repository], [which page the acknowledgements appear on], [direct link to download the thesis]
• Dr Shipman’s thesis , for the acknowledgements go to page 3. Direct download here .
• Longest acknowledgements section of the list at 1022 words.
• Dr Li’s thesis , page 11. Direct download here .
• Dr Podgurschi’s thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Medjeral-Thomas’ thesis page 3. Direct download here .
• Dr Sztuc’s thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Yap’s thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Sukkar’s thesis , page 9. Direct download here .
• Dr Lo’s thesis , page 11. Direct download here .
• Dr Sullivan’s thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Tawy’s thesis , page 3. Direct download here .
• Dr Wane’s thesis , page 2. Direct download here .
• Dr Addison’s thesis , page 4. Direct download here .
• Dr Wang’s thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Sebest’s thesis , page 3. Direct download here .
• Dr Hopkins’ thesis , page 7. Direct download here .
• Dr Bates’s thesis , page 4. Direct download here .
• Dr Somuyiwa’s thesis , page 6. Direct download here .
• Dr Reynolds’ thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• My labmate’s thesis, who wrote the acknowledgements in a different style to the rest by using bullet points.
• Shortest acknowledgements section of the list at 122 words.
• Dr Manca’s thesis , acknowledgements on page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Liu’s thesis , page 5. Direct download here .
• Dr Hotinli’s thesis , page 7. Direct download here .

My top tips for writing your own thesis acknowledgements

• Don’t spend too long on them. The acknowledgements section is really not worth spending too much time on. Even worse, since they appear at the start of your thesis, it is tempting to write your acknowledgements first. This can be fine, or, it can be an opportunity for lots of unnecessary procrastination. Which I why I instead suggest that you…
• Write your acknowledgements at the end of your first draft of the thesis. There is no need to write your thesis in the order it is presented. If you write your acknowledgements at the end you’ll be less likely to spend precious time on a section which really doesn’t warrant too much brain power.
• Don’t stress about it. The acknowledgements are merely for yourself and for anyone close to you that you want to thank. There are far more important sections for you to be particular about!
• Remember: You can make changes after you submit the copy for your viva. As with everything in your thesis, you can make changes after you submit the thesis for your viva. The real “final” copy is when you submit your thesis to the university for archiving. Which is even more reason to not spend too much time writing it the first time around.

Draft your own thesis or dissertation acknowledgements in 60 minutes

Hopefully you now feel inspired to start writing your own thesis acknowledgments!

For the exercise below I’d suggest setting a stop-watch on your phone and move on to the next section when the alarm goes, even if you’ve not fully finished. The aim is to have a rough draft at the end which you can polish off at a later point in time.

• Read a few of the example thesis acknowledgements above to get a feel for the structure ( 15 mins )
• List everyone (or everything!) you wish to thank – including any personal and professional acknowledgements in addition to funding bodies if relevant ( 10 mins )
• Decide on a rough order in which to thank them ( 5 mins )
• Craft some sentences using the phrases mentioned above ( 30 mins )

Congratulations you’re now well on your way to having one section of your PhD thesis completed!

I hope this post has been useful for constructing your own thesis or dissertation acknowledgements. It is the first in a series of posts aiming to help your thesis writing by delving into each section in depth. Be sure to let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for other content which you would find useful.

Subscribe below to stay updated about future posts in the series:

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3 inspiring master’s thesis acknowledgement examples

Writing a thesis acknowledgment is a meaningful milestone, marking the completion of a master’s thesis and the end of a master’s education. Questions about its length, tone, and acceptability commonly arise for many students. To provide inspiration, here are three concise master’s thesis acknowledgment examples for you to consider as you compose your own.

What to consider when writing a master’s thesis acknowledgement

Master’s thesis acknowledgement example 1: formal and polite, master’s thesis acknowledgement example 2: emotional and personal, master’s thesis acknowledgement example 3: humorous and grateful.

It is very rare not to have an acknowledgment for your thesis, so almost all master’s students will face the challenge of writing one sooner or later if they are working on a thesis. Master thesis acknowledgments typically range between 100-350 words.

While there are usually no fixed rules on how to write it, remember that the acknowledgment is one of the first things that the reader (including potential assessors!) will see, as it is usually placed before the thesis introduction . Thus, you want to make a good impression. While making an acknowledgment personal, keep it somewhat formal.

Furthermore, it is good to thank your supervisor, even if you did not have the best relationship, out of courtesy. You can also express gratitude to family, friends, or even pets, but keep in mind that many theses are publicly available, so do not share anything that you would not want the world to know. Again, maintaining a somewhat formal tone will help with this.

If you want more information, check out this post on general tips that I wrote on how to create a distinct and meaningful acknowledgment section that reflects your gratitude and appreciation.

You may also like: 5 inspiring PhD thesis acknowledgement examples

While some individuals are naturally expressive, openly sharing their private lives even in public, others may not feel as comfortable with such openness—and that’s perfectly acceptable.

Crafting a brief, formal, and polite thesis acknowledgement is a universal practice, ensuring that you convey appreciation without overstepping personal boundaries.

If you are more emotional and personal, and want to include that in your thesis acknowledgement, this is also perfectly fine. Remember, do you, as long as you keep it to an acceptable level of formality.

While maintaining a degree of formality in a thesis acknowledgement, there’s room for a touch of humor to let your personality shine through. Embracing a lighthearted tone doesn’t diminish the significance of the acknowledgment; rather, it can add a personal and engaging touch.

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Dissertation acknowledgments [with examples]

What are dissertation acknowledgements?

What to consider when writing your dissertation acknowledgments, who to thank in your dissertation acknowledgments, what (and what not) to write in your dissertation acknowledgments, good examples of dissertation acknowledgments, a final word on writing dissertation acknowledgments: have fun, frequently asked questions about dissertation acknowledgments, related articles.

While you may be the sole author of your dissertation, there are lots of people who help you through the process—from your formal dissertation advisors to the friends who may have cooked meals so that you could finish your last chapter . Dissertation acknowledgments are a chance to thank everyone who had a hand in the completion of your project.

Dissertation acknowledgments are a brief statement of your gratitude to advisors, professors, peers, family, and friends for their help and expertise.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• the most important things to consider when you’re writing your dissertation acknowledgments
• who to thank in your dissertation acknowledgments
• what (and what not) to write in your dissertation acknowledgments
• short examples of dissertation acknowledgments

Once you’re at the stage where you’re writing your dissertation acknowledgments, you may be tempted to kick back and relax. After all, the hard part of writing the dissertation itself is over and a list of thanks should be simple to churn out.

However, the acknowledgments are an important part of your overall work and are something that most people who read your dissertation, including prospective employers, will look at.

Tip: The best dissertation acknowledgements are concise, sincere, and memorable.

Approach this part of the process, brief as it may be compared to the long haul of writing the dissertation, with the same high level of care and attention to detail. It’s an explicit and permanent statement of who made a real impact on your work and contributed to your academic success.

Plus, the people you thank are often deeply moved by being included—some even go so far as to frame the acknowledgments. Aim to make yours sincere, memorable and something that people will be touched by.

First things first: who should you include in your dissertation acknowledgments? If you’re not sure who to thank, try the brainstorming technique to generate some ideas. Consider these two approaches:

• Make a list of everyone, both professional and personal, who was involved at any point during your work on your dissertation, and then thin down the list from there.
• Make a list of the pivotal aspects of your process and think about who was involved and how they helped.

As you select the people and groups to include in your dissertation acknowledgments, keep in mind that it’s essential to acknowledge your supervisor and anyone else with a visible connection to your work.

It’s an unfortunate reality that not every supervisor goes above and beyond to provide feedback and guidance to the students they are supposed to supervise. However, leaving them out, even if you personally felt disappointed by their involvement or lack thereof, could be seen as a snub.

You should end up with a fairly short list of people to thank. While being mindful of professional etiquette and personal feelings, be choosy about who makes the final cut since your acknowledgments should be limited to no more than a page.

Now that you have your list of people and groups to thank, it’s time to start writing. Before your first pen or keystroke, however, check your university’s guidelines as your institution may have specific rules around what can and cannot be included.

The standard practice is to begin with the formal and then progress to the informal, so the first people to mention would be:

• supervisors
• committee members
• other professional contacts

Use their full names and titles and go into brief detail about how they contributed to your work.

Once those are done, you can move on to the personal thanks, which can include friends, family, even pets. If you are so inclined, it is also considered appropriate to thank God or make mention of spiritual support.

You may also choose to inject a little humor at this point, but don’t get carried away and definitely don’t include sarcasm or critical comments of any kind, including self-critical ones. Remember that the acknowledgments precede your dissertation, so you want to be taken seriously.

A couple more basics that are essential when creating your acknowledgments:

• Position: Acknowledgments should be placed after the title page and before the abstract.
• Perspective: Write from the first-person perspective and speak in your own voice.

A really good way to get a sense of how to write your own dissertation acknowledgments is to read ones written by others. Notice which ones you respond particularly well to and use them as a model upon which to base your own.

Here are some good examples to help you get started:

I couldn’t have reached this goal without the help of many people in my life. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for their support.

First, my sincere thanks to my dissertation committee. The value of their guidance cannot be overstated. Dr. Elaine Gooding and Dr. Matthew Hunter provided much wisdom that helped me chart my course. I couldn’t have asked for a better supervisor than Dr. Fiona Moore, whose knowledge and experience guided me every step of the way.

Next, I’d like to thank my partner, Elliott. Your votes of confidence kept me going when my spirits dipped. I couldn’t have done this without you.

Last but not least, I’d like to acknowledge the emotional support provided by my family and friends. We made it to the top of the mountain! I look forward to celebrating with all of you.

This example is shorter, but still contains the key components:

Several people played a decisive role in my success and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them.

My chair, Dr. Ronald Saulk, provided invaluable support and infinite patience and I am truly grateful for all of his wisdom and guidance. I also owe the entire staff of the Wilhelm Library a debt of gratitude. From tracking down books and arranging for interlibrary loans to keeping the coffee maker in the lobby well-stocked and in good working order, they offered the practical help and kind gestures that made all the difference.

I’d also like to thank my family and God, for always being there for me.

One final piece of advice: enjoy this process. Writing a dissertation doesn’t happen every day, and the opportunity to acknowledge the important people in your life in a published format is as rare as it is wonderful.

What’s more, this part of your dissertation is unlike any other. It’s unbounded by the conventions that apply to the formal work. It’s a chance to really flex some creative muscle and let your personality shine through. So make the most of it and have fun!

In your dissertation acknowledgments, you thank everyone who has contributed to your work or supported you along the way. Who you want to thank is a very personal choice, but you should include your supervisors and anyone else with a visible connection to your work. You may also thank friends, family, and partners.

First, you need to come up with a list of people you want to thank in your dissertation acknowledgments. As a next step, begin with the formal and then progress to the informal, so the first people to mention would be supervisors, mentors, committees, and other professional contacts. Then, you can move on to the personal thanks, which can include friends, family, even pets.

Who you acknowledge in your dissertation is ultimately up to you. You should, however, thank your supervisor and anyone else with a visible connection to your work. Leaving them out, even if you personally felt disappointed by their involvement or lack thereof, could be seen as a snub. In addition, you can thank friends, partners or family.

There are many ways so you can acknowledge your dissertation supervisor. Some examples can be found in this article above. If you need more examples, you can find them here .

While acknowledgments are usually more present in academic theses, they can also be a part of research papers. In academic theses, acknowledgments are usually found at the beginning, somewhere between abstract and introduction. In research papers, acknowledgments are usually found at the end of the paper.

• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Write Acknowledgements for a Thesis

Last Updated: January 19, 2023

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 18,946 times.

The acknowledgements section of your thesis provides you with an opportunity to thank anyone who supported you during the research and writing process. Before writing your acknowledgements, it's helpful to first choose who exactly you want to include. Then, you can construct your acknowledgements using the right tone and language to properly thank those who contributed to and supported your work in both academic and personal ways.

Choosing Who to Thank

• If you choose not to include funders or advisors in your acknowledgements, you could risk insulting them. This could prevent them from working with you in the future, and could even lead them to refuse to write you any letters of recommendation.
• In many cases, you'll have 1 academic advisor who is the chair of your thesis review committee, and then 2 or 3 additional faculty members who serve as secondary co-advisors. If this is the case, make sure that you include your secondary co-advisors in addition to your chair.

• This could be other faculty members, fellow students, research assistants, archivists, librarians, or other institutional personnel who assisted in the research and writing process in any way.
• Professional contributors could include people who read and reviewed your work, helped facilitate research, or talked through challenging concepts and ideas with you throughout the thesis-writing process.

• For example, while you may be close with and enjoy seeing a particular cousin or childhood friend, if they weren't actively supporting you during this time, you likely won't have space to include them in your acknowledgements.

• If a well-known academic in your field was particularly inspirational but did not read your work, you can also mention them in your acknowledgements if you have space to do so.

• If your faith is particularly important to you, you could also consider dedicating your thesis to the higher power you believe in. This could be done within the acknowledgments, or on a separate dedication page depending on your institution's formatting preferences.

• If someone was a great influence in your life but didn't contribute to your thesis directly, you could consider writing them a personal letter or email instead of including them in your acknowledgements.

Constructing Your Acknowledgements

• While there's no set rule about acknowledgement order, in general, funders are thanked first for their financial support, then academic supervisors, followed by other academics and professionals, as well as colleagues and classmates.

• If you're afraid that your personal supporters might be offended by being acknowledged last, you could explain to them that this is a professional courtesy.

• Since your academic advisor was likely a big part of your research and writing process, you'll likely want to expand on how they helped you. For example, you could write, “I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Timothy Kelly, for his guidance and prompt feedback throughout this process.”

• In contrast, you can include only first names for your personal acknowledgements if you choose.

Using the Right Tone and Language

• If you focus on your own accomplishments too much, you could risk coming off as a bit smug. Instead, let the quality of your work speak for itself and use the acknowledgements to focus on others.

• This is particularly important to keep in mind when you thank your academic peers or faculty members that you've developed a personal relationship with, as it can be tempting to write too casually in these instances. [16] X Research source
• For example, to thank your advisor, you could write, “I could not have completed this work without the unwavering support of my chair, Dr. Sherre McWhorter. Dr. McWhorter, your patience and guidance made this work possible.”

• If your parents provided substantial support for you during this process, thank them in a personal manner by saying something like, “It is impossible to extend enough thanks to my family, especially my parents, who gave me the encouragement I needed throughout this process.”
• Instead of naming each of your friends individually, you could try thanking them collectively in a more casual manner. For example, you could write, “To my friends, this would have been a much more difficult feat without you. Thank you all for your unwavering support and for reminding me to take breaks and have fun when I’ve been stressed out.”

• If you want to thank someone for their support in a more emotional, personal manner, try thanking them in person or with a handwritten letter.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/acknowledgements/
• ↑ https://www.phdstudent.com/Writing-Tips/writing-acknowledgements-your-personal-gratitude
• ↑ Jeremiah Kaplan. Research & Training Specialist. Expert Interview. 2 September 2021.
• ↑ https://elc.polyu.edu.hk/FYP/html/ack.htm

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15+ Samples of Acknowledgement for Thesis and Dissertation

Here, in this blog post, you can find some of the samples of acknoweldgement for thesis written by students all over the world on different topics. These acknowledgement examples are to inspire you and to show how the thesis is written.

These thesis are written for different subjects by different students from different countries. The examples vary in length, style, and substance depending upon the writer.

Acknowledgement Examples for School/College Projects

Most popular Acknowledgement For School/College Projects [7 Examples] Acknowledgement for English Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Project Class 11 and 12 Acknowledgement for Project of Class 8, 9 and 10 By subjects Acknowledgement for Accounting Project [3 Examples] Acknowledgement for Business Studies Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Chemistry Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Computer Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Economics Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for English Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Geography Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for History Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Maths Project for Students [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Physics Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Social Science Project [5 Examples] Others Acknowledgement for Group Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Graduation Project [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Disaster Management Project [3 Examples] Acknowledgement for Yoga Project [3 Samples]

You can get some idea of how you can write your own acknowledgement with these samples. All of these are samples are one of the best acknowledgement for thesis for masters and PHDs .

For Acknowledgement for your school/college project you can check out out other posts.

All of these samples of acknowledgement is taken from publicly available documents. Some of these samples are from award winning thesis writings. Here are some beautiful thesis acknowledgement from different writers.

Saying thank you with style

How to write an acknowledgement: the complete guide for students, thesis acknowledgement – sample 1.

This sample of acknowledgement is presented by University of Illinois Graduate College. You can check the full thesis sample here.

University: University of Illinois Graduate College Author: Sample Full Thesis Sample: https://grad.illinois.edu/sites/default/files/pdfs/samplethesispages.pdf

Acknowledgement For Thesis – Sample 2

This short acknowledgement is written by Christopher Sipola from University of Edinburgh for his thesis. You can check the full thesis sample here.

University: University of Edinburgh Author: Christopher Sipola Full Thesis Sample: https://project-archive.inf.ed.ac.uk/msc/20172438/msc_proj.pdf

Example of Acknowledgement For Thesis – Sample 3

This short acknowledgement is written by Matthew Brillinger from University of Ottawa for his thesis. You can check the full thesis sample here.

University:   University of Ottawa Author: Matthew Brillinger Full Thesis Sample: https://ruor.uottawa.ca/bitstream/10393/35312/1/Brillinger_Matthew_2016_Thesis.pdf

Acknowledgement Sample For Thesis – Sample 4

University:   Columbia University Author: Julien Saint Reiman Full Thesis Sample: https://history.columbia.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2016/06/Reiman-Julien-Thesis.pdf

Acknowledgement Example For Thesis – Sample 5

University:   University of Ottawa Author: Heather Martin Full Thesis Sample: https://ruor.uottawa.ca/bitstream/10393/32518/3/Martin_Heather_2015_thesis.pdf

Thesis Acknowledgement Example – Sample 6

University: University of Ottawa Author: Guillaume Thekkadath Full Thesis Sample: https://ruor.uottawa.ca/bitstream/10393/36669/3/Thekkadath_Guillaume_2017_thesis.pdf

Thesis Acknowledgement – Sample 7

University: Author: Bruno Buchberger Full Thesis Sample: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0747717105001483

Example of Thesis Acknowledgement – Sample 8

University: Sample Thesis Author: Full Thesis Sample: https://www.cs.siu.edu/files/thesis.pdf

Acknowledgement for Thesis – Sample 9

University: Kathmandu University Author: Sample Thesis Full Thesis Sample: http://old.ku.edu.np/aec/Docs/General%20Guidelines%20for%20Master.pdf

Sample Acknowledgement for Thesis – Sample 10

University: The University of Toledo Author: Sample Thesis Full Thesis Sample: https://etd.ohiolink.edu/apexprod/rws_etd/send_file/send?accession=toledo1333741245&disposition=attachment

Sample Acknowledgement for Thesis – Sample 11

University: IOWA STATE University Author: Varsha Ravichandra Mouli Full Thesis Sample: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cs_etd/

Acknowledgement for Thesis – Sample 12

University: IOWA STATE University Author: Full Thesis Sample: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=8730&context=etd

Acknowledgement Samples for Thesis – Sample 13

University: IOWA STATE University Author: Jenna Mertz Full Thesis Sample: https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=8273&context=etd

Acknowledgement for Thesis – Sample 14

University: Nottingham University Author: Jean D. M. Underwood. Full Thesis Sample: http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/11711/1/325961.pdf

Acknowledgement Samples – Sample 15

University: The University of Western Ontario Author: Katie Hart Full Thesis Sample: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=9356&context=etd

Acknowledgement Samples for Thesis – Sample 16

University: Author: Sristi Karmacharya Full Thesis Sample: https://bura.brunel.ac.uk/bitstream/2438/15029/1/FulltextThesis.pdf%20

Thesis Acknowledgement Samples – Sample 17

University: Brunel Business School Brunel University Author: Kinana Ahmad Jammoul Full Thesis Sample: http://107.170.122.150:8080/xmlui/bitstream/handle/123456789/95/Shristi%20Karmacharya%20Thesis%209881.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

You can take inspiration from these acknowledgement samples to write your own acknowledgement for your project. All these acknowledgement samples are taken from publicly available documents and you can use these as a sample to take inspiration for your project acknowledgement.

More on thesis statements

• Can a Thesis Statement Be Two Sentences?
• Can a Thesis Statement Be an Opinion?
• Can a Thesis Statement Be a Question?
• Can a Thesis Statement Be a Quote?

Jump into these quick guides to write a strong thesis statement in no time. We have included tons of good (and bad) examples to show you how to do it right. A simple formula is included in each article to help you create your strong thesis statement with suggested wordings.

• How to Write a Strong Expository Thesis Statement?
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Other Popular Acknowledgement Examples

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Academic Acknowledgement for Research Paper [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Internship Report [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Thesis and Dissertation [15 Examples] Acknowledgement for Portfolio [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for Case Study [4 Examples] Acknowledgement for Academic Research Paper [5 Examples] Acknowledgement for College/School Assignment [5 Examples] Acknowledgemet to God in Reports [5 Examples]

Others Acknowledgement to Funeral Attendees [5 Examples] Funeral Acknowledgement Templates (for Newspapers and Websites) Common Website Disclaimers to Protect Your Online Business Notary Acknowledgement [5 Examples]

6 thoughts on “15+ Samples of Acknowledgement for Thesis and Dissertation”

Thank you for creating this. It help us a lot, specially students.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORT

Thank you for sharing. Quite helpful.

A profpund geatitude for your sample research acknowledfement! It is of great help in the success of my thesis study. God bless!

Thanks for sharing valuable information. These article site links are really helpful for us!

Great read, now following!

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• How to write an acknowledgement for a thesis
• Helpful ideas for writing a good thesis acknowledgement

What is your thesis acknowledgement?

Where to put it, decide who you will thank, choose your best tone to use, why is thesis acknowledgement so important, differences between your thesis acknowledgement and preface, use your best sample for acknowledgement for thesis, your professional thanks, your personal thanks, how to write this section, important teachers, other helpers, address your financial aid, personal supporters, concluding ideas, thesis acknowledgement examples, undergraduate thesis acknowledgement example, bachelor thesis acknowledgement example, master thesis acknowledgement example (template).

To successfully come up with your thesis acknowledgement, read this helpful guidance article or contact our pro writers to get  dissertation help . How to write an acknowledgement for a thesis? This section should be presented only to express your sincere gratitude to individuals who helped you in your work or paper writing.

In your paper, give credit in its preface, not in some other independent section. Be grateful for the advisor’s support or assistance you receive during your research from your university or people in your finished paper.

A simple thesis acknowledgement is your brief section at its beginning where you thank everyone who supported you during studies. How to acknowledge a thesis? This section shouldn’t be too long. Be polite to mention people or organizations that contributed to your thesis, don’t forget anyone important in your grateful words.

Post your comments with gratitude on a separate page right after your abstract and before contents. Take time to find answers to several important questions to end up with your best sample for acknowledgement for thesis writing:

• Who do you need to thank?
• What tone should you use?
• Why use a thesis acknowledgement?

You don’t need to thank every friend who assisted you individually, ensure that you mention everyone important for your research or who gave you significant support. Don’t forget to thank academics who gave you useful advice or assisted your study in different ways. Thank volunteers and professional bodies.

You should thank both formal and friendly, don’t use overblown language to note people who supported you and briefly explain their contributions to understand how to write an acknowledgement for a thesis.

There are different reasons to use it. Some students decide to write their acknowledgement section in thesis or dissertation projects because they were complex, while others include it because they worked hard for a long time. If many people have helped you during several years, you would like to reflect on them to show your gratitude. Who are these people? In a thesis acknowledgement, people often mention:

• Fellow students;
• Colleagues;
• Possible respondents;

The main purpose of having an acknowledgement page is offering a thankful note to those who provided support to you during the study. Well, consider it as a page saying thank you to your doctor after a lifesaving procedure. Note that though the thesis acknowledgement does not have an academic bearing, your dissertation cannot be complete without it. Therefore, you must not only know how to write a thesis , but also put the best foot forward to making it shine. Make sure to write the acknowledgement starting with the people who were most helpful during the study.

Using your preface and acknowledgement in your thesis simultaneously is redundant. How to make this choice? If you want to thank people and provide readers with extra information, write your preface. If you don’t have enough space, write your thesis acknowledgement.

In Ph.D. or senior thesis writing, you should give credit to the department, people, funding bodies in a separate acknowledgement section if they helped you during your project. Find excellent samples to thank people who supported you financially, gave you valuable feedbacks, helped in any other way. Your notes of thanks are your thesis acknowledgement.

Read requirements or guidelines to phrase this section correctly and avoid compromising your future grades, ask funding bodies for their rules to know how to credit their contribution. Consider these general elements.

• Your brief statement as to the type of help you received from people or organizations;
• Full names of all people who you want to thank.

Some academic disciplines require ethical clearance or permission.

As for the types - generally, there are two categories of acknowledgements: professional and personal.

It is wise to place the professional acknowledgements first, as there is a certain political aspect to keep in mind when writing. Read your list of all contributors to mention any academia members who helped you in writing this important paper. You have room only for major contributors. Though there is no set rule, the standard order is to move from most formal to least:

• Upper-level professors and supervisors;
• Different advisors;
• Librarians;
• Lab assistants;
• Classmates;
• Research participants (e.g. people who completed a survey to help you gather data).

Who else? Include in this important section anyone who helped you in conducting your experiments or surveys, researching, or writing. Use titles and full names of academic contributors. When thanking your friends, use their names. If many people within the same big group supported your writing, you should state only a specific group name.

Be sure to use full names, with titles. If several members of a group or organization assisted you, mention the collective name only. If you wish to protect someone’s privacy, use only their first name.

If an authoritative person in your field of study discussed your research with you or gave feedback in any form, mentioning their contribution, however limited it may have been, will help strengthen the authority of your own research.

Before you write anything, make your list of people who are linked to your project in any way. Some of them read or edit your paper, while others listen to your academic woes or encourage you regularly. Mention friends or family active in graduate studies.

If some people inspire or improve your work, their names should be included in your thesis acknowledgement section. State how they help you. This step will be meaningful to these people and they’ll be grateful to you for giving them credit for their work.

There is no need to mention every member of your family or friend group. However, if someone was particularly inspiring or supportive, you may wish to mention them specifically. For example, you might acknowledge a grandparent whose own academic pursuits encouraged your own.

Many students find it hard to include their personal writing in the end of important technical projects. Use your suitable form or tone. Make this page brief, professional, and specific to all people who supported your project along the way. Use an alphabetical order or other styles.

• Start with your important teachers;
• List other contributors;
• Address any financial aid you receive;
• Out personal or emotional supporters last.

Your most important teachers go first. Mention any major professors or advisors overseeing your project, committee members, other supervising academics who participate in your dissertation. Try to think in groups. Other helpers who deserve your gratitude include lab assistants, classmates, all people who helped you with this paper.

If you received any financial support from specific research groups or foundations that gave you any fellowship, grant, or scholarship, thank them by title. What about your personal supporters? Your partners, friends, or other acquaintances who contributed to your emotional well-being or confidence go last in this list. Avoid personal jokes or anecdotes.

Writing your grateful words is important to earn higher grades, and our thesis service can assist you with writing thesis acknowledgement. You can order this type of paper on our website. Let qualified and trained writing professionals help you thank people or organizations who supported your successful project completion.

First and foremost, I have to thank my research supervisors, [Ms Name Surname], [Mr Name Surname] and [Ms Name Surname]. Without their assistance and dedicated involvement in every step throughout the process, this paper would have never been accomplished. I would like to thank you very much for your support and understanding over these past four years. I would also like to show gratitude to my committee, including [Ms Name Surname], [Ms Name Surname], [Ms Name Surname], [Mr. Name Surname] and [Ms Name Surname]. [Ms Name Surname]was my first-year [subject] professor at [Name ]University. Her teaching style and enthusiasm for the topic made a strong impression on me and I have always carried positive memories of her classes with me. I discussed early versions of the [Name of the subject] with [Mr. Name Surname]. She raised many precious points in our discussion and I hope that I have managed to address several of them here. Even though I have not had the opportunity to work with [Mr. Name Surname], [Mr. Name Surname], or [Ms Name Surname], previously, the impact of their work on my own study is obvious throughout this dissertation. In March 2012, I went to [Name] University for several weeks to study with [Ms Name Surname]. My time at [Name] University has been highly productive and working with [Ms Surname] was an extraordinary experience. Much of the analysis presented in Section III is owed to my time at [Name of the University]. [Mr Name Surname] at the [Name] University kindly assisted me with the statistical analysis in this dissertation and was very patient with my knowledge gaps in the area. I must also thank two colleagues at the Department of [Name], [Name Surname] and [Name Surname], for giving me the retreat to have this thesis rushed to the printer. Getting through my dissertation required more than academic support, and I have many, many people to thank for listening to and, at times, having to tolerate me over the past three years. I cannot begin to express my gratitude and appreciation for their friendship. [Name Surname], Name Surname], [Name Surname] and [Name Surname] have been unwavering in their personal and professional support during the time I spent at the University. For many memorable evenings out and in, I must thank everyone above as well as [Name Surname], [Name Surname] and [Name Surname]. I would also like to thank [Name Surname] who opened both her home and heart to me when I first arrived in the city. Most importantly, none of this could have happened without my family. My grandmother, who offered her encouragement through phone calls and letters every week – despite my own limited devotion to correspondence. With her own brand of humor, [Name Surname] has been kind and supportive to me over the last several years. To my parents and my sister – it would be an understatement to say that, as a family, we have experienced some ups and downs in the past three years. Every time I was ready to quit, you did not let me and I am forever grateful. This dissertation stands as a testament to your unconditional love and encouragement.

Prima facie, I am grateful to God for the good health and wellbeing that were necessary to complete this book. I wish to express my sincere thanks to [………], Principal of the Faculty, for providing me with all the necessary facilities for the research. I place on record, my sincere thank you to […….] Dean of the Faculty, for the continuous encouragement. I am also grateful to […….], lecturer, in the Department of […….]. I am extremely thankful and indebted to him for sharing expertise, and sincere and valuable guidance and encouragement extended to me. I take this opportunity to express gratitude to all of the Department faculty members for their help and support. I also thank my parents for the unceasing encouragement, support and attention. I am also grateful to my partner who supported me through this venture. I also place on record, my sense of gratitude to one and all, who directly or indirectly, have lent their hand in this venture.

I would first like to thank my thesis advisor [title] [Name Surname] of the [School / Faculty name] at [University name]. The door to Prof. [Last name] office was always open whenever I ran into a trouble spot or had a question about my research or writing. He/She consistently allowed this paper to be my own work, but steered me in the right direction whenever he thought I needed it. I would also like to thank the experts who were involved in the validation survey for this research project: [List professional Titles, Name and Surnames of the experts who participated/contributed]. Without their passionate participation and input, the validation survey could not have been successfully conducted. I would also like to acknowledge [title] [Name Surname] of the [School / Faculty name] at [University name] as the second reader of this thesis, and I am gratefully indebted to his/her for his/her very valuable comments on this thesis. Finally, I must express my very profound gratitude to my parents and to my [partner, spouse, girl/boyfriend] for providing me with unfailing support and continuous encouragement throughout my years of study and through the process of researching and writing this thesis. This accomplishment would not have been possible without them. Thank you. Author [Name Surname]

Now that you know all the details, it's time to prepare for a final defense . We wish you to nail your defense and earn your degree effort-free!

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Writing the Thesis Acknowledgement Section Like a Pro

A thesis consists of several sections which all contribute to the uniqueness of such a paper. The thesis acknowledgement part is one of these which strikes some students off balance. However, if you are one of the students who feel intimidated at the sight of dissertation acknowledgements, this article brings you good news!

What Is a Thesis Acknowledgement?

Thesis acknowledgement is the part where the author thanks all those who helped him in the success of the thesis. These dissertation acknowledgements go beyond the personal thanks to the professional ones.

Do you remember the kind of speeches that people give at graduation or thanksgiving ceremonies? Where you hear someone saying ‘I would like to thank my parents for their maximum support and my tutors for their professional guidance.’ That is an example of an acknowledgement, only that this has a particular structure.

The acknowledgement section of thesis precedes the abstract chapter and after the title page. It is one of the shortest areas of a thesis with not more than one page of length. The thesis acknowledgements should be:

• In a more informal style
• Written in the first-person perspective

Below is a more candid discussion of the acknowledgement thesis chapter with the best tips on how to write acknowledgements for thesis. Hold in there.

How To Write Acknowledgement For Thesis

Writing an acknowledgement for a thesis is one of the most straightforward tasks that does not need any special skills. All you need are the necessary writing skills and our professional touch to come up with a top-quality acknowledgement section.

The secret to a great acknowledgement is knowing how it is done. Since it is a section that calls for utmost sincerity, your aim should be to thank only those who helped make the project a success. To achieve this, you need to:

• Identify the individual persons who assisted you with your research
• Specify the contribution of each individual
• Do not feel shy about mentioning anyone or everyone who helped you
• Use the available acknowledgements examples to better your format and structure
• Consult with your supervisor on any part that is not clear

You can know how to write acknowledgements in a blink of an eye. Here is an acknowledgement sample for thesis by one of our best thesis helpers:

“I am grateful to my primary supervisor, Prof. Richard Dickens, who guided me throughout this project. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to my family and friends who chipped in to support me physically, psychologically, and financially.”

The categories of people to thank will include your:

• Supervisor,
• Family and friends

Below is a sample of how to write acknowledgements for a thesis in a case where you are thanking your supervisor:

“I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to my supervisor, Professor Peter Haul, who has the mind of a guru. He patiently instructed and encouraged me to think big and not to give up when all seemed not to be working out. Without his golden assistance, the goal of this project would never have been realized.”

When you are thanking the support staff, here is an example of acknowledgement in the thesis:

“The scientific and technical support of the lab technicians at Hopkins Science lab cannot go without mention. Their insightful remarks and constant help with my experiments made this project attain its goal.”

Best Acknowledgement for Thesis – Common Phrases

By reading a variety of dissertation acknowledgements examples, you will be able to identify top-notch phrases to spice up this section. Below are some of these phrases from our best thesis helpers:

“I would like to sincerely pay my special regards to …” “I wish to acknowledge my …” “My deepest gratitude goes to my …” “A big thank you to everyone whose assistance was a major milestone to the completion of this research project.” “I am eternally indebted to …” “I appreciate the concerted efforts of all contributed towards the success of this study.” “I would like to mention the invaluable support that you all accorded me during my study.”

Without a doubt, your thesis is headed for greatness with these expert phrases.

Pro-Tips For Quality Dissertation Acknowledgements

There is always that one secret ingredient that makes a meal stand out from the rest. We have compiled a list of six professional tips to make your thesis acknowledgement section shine:

• Make it brief and concise as possible.
• Stick to your institution’s writing format
• Focus on the key people who had a significant impact on your study
• Avoid using titles but instead, specify the individual with his specific contribution.
• Write it in the first person, singular or plural.
• Avoid getting too personal (it is not a dedication section!)
• Mention the people in a hierarchical order
• Use formal language
• Follow the alphabetical order when listing names of people.
• Ensure that it comes after the title page

With that, I believe that you are now in a position to write an acknowledge section that can be used by a top university as a case study.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thesis Acknowledgement

• How many people should I thank?

The number of people to thank is not cast on stone. However, you have to consider the relevance and critical role played by the people before including them in this section.

• Can I use a thesis writing service?

If you feel that additional assistance would go a long way in improving your paper, then there is nothing holding you.

• How long should each acknowledgement be?

Depending on the contribution of each individual, some acknowledgements may be longer than others. That is not to say that you should give a whole paragraph of ten sentences to one individual while three sentences to another. No! Strike a balance between all the people to have a uniform paragraph structure.

A sparkling thesis acknowledgement section will not only light up your paper but also warm the heart of the professor marking your essay. So strive to make it shine.

We offer top-tier help with thesis papers of all levels. Hit us up today for a timely, top-grade piece.

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Thesis Acknowledgement

Foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor Prof. Ying Wu for the continuous support of my Ph.D study and research, for his patience, motivation, enthusiasm, and immense knowledge. His guidance helped me in all the time of research and writing of this thesis. I could not have imagined having a better advisor and mentor for my Ph.D study. Besides my advisor, I would like to thank the rest of my thesis committee: Prof. Aggelos K.Katsaggelos, Prof. Thrasyvoulos N.Pappas, and Dr. James Crenshaw, for their encouragement, insightful comments, and hard questions. My sincere thanks also goes to Dr. James Crenshaw, Dr. Senthil Periaswamy, and Dr. Qiong Liu, for offering me the summer internship opportunities in their groups and leading me working on diverse exciting projects. I thank my fellow labmates in Northwestern Vision Group: Gang Hua, Ting Yu, Zhimin Fan, Shengyang Dai, Junsong Yuan, Jiang Xu, Jialue Fan, and Neelabh Gupta, for the stimulating discussions, for the sleepless nights we were working together before deadlines, and for all the fun we have had in the last four years. Also I thank my friends in Tsinghua University: Chen Fan, Wensheng Wang, Bo Qin, Xiwei Wang, Yonggang Zhao, Hua Chen, Junlin Li, and Rui Zhou. In particular, I am grateful to Dr. Chen Fan for enlightening me the first glance of research. Last but not the least, I would like to thank my family: my parents Siyu Yang and Xiaolan Ding, for giving birth to me at the first place and supporting me spiritually throughout my life.

How to Write an Acknowledgement for a Dissertation

Thomas Babb

Acknowledgements are one of the most important parts of writing a dissertation or thesis. Although not something that you’ll be critiqued on, giving thanks is an important part of the process. But how do you actually write an acknowledgement for a dissertation?

Your acknowledgements are where you get to thank people who supported you throughout the years, may it be during the process of researching and writing, or just generally in your studies. To help you write the best acknowledgement for your dissertation possible, we’ve pulled together absolutely all the information you’ll need.

In this article, we’ll cover what you should in include in your acknowledgements, how to write one, why they’re important, and how to get started. Let’s jump right in.

What to Acknowledge in Your Dissertation and Who To Thank

Of course, as you would expect, there is no need to thank every person that was part of your studies. Especially if you’re completing a PahD, then you will have been in education for years. To go through and thank every single person that contributed to your studies would simply be impossible. Okay, maybe not impossible, but it sure would make for a long dissertation acknowledgements section.

That said, it’s important to thank the people who both helped and supported you emotionally and academically throughout your dissertation. Here below, you’ll find who you should thank and the most important examples to make your life easier when writing your acknowledgements.

Personal Dissertation Acknowledgements

Personal acknowledgements , as their name says, are anything that’s personal to you. Here, you’re free to include whoever particularly supported you. Mentioning every member of your family isn’t necessary, and we don’t recommend it. However, choose 1 or 2 people that were there for you all the time and encouraged you on the path to your end qualification.

If you’d like, you could select a few different people and whiz through them. You don’t have to dedicate an entire paragraph to every single person that’s supported you. Sometimes, a list is more than enough. In fact, this is actually what you’ll see on a lot of PhD dissertation acknowledgements, with people wanting to include as many people as possible without taking up much space.

At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that whatever you say, goes. You’re the one that has to write an acknowledgement for a dissertation, meaning you can put whatever or whoever you’d like in there. While there are some general rules to follow, always do what you think is best.

Professional Dissertation Acknowledgements

Unlike personal acknowledgements, professional acknowledgements are meant to thank important people in your academic sphere that supported you throughout your university journey. This may include, but are not limited to:

• Supervisors
• Funding bodies
• Research participants (for instance, people who filled out a survey for you)

It is important to note that some universities have strict policies stating that only professional individuals that directly supported your work should be cited in your acknowledgements. For this reason, make sure to always read the guidelines before starting to write your acknowledgement for your dissertation or thesis.

Should You Always Thank Your Supervisor in your Dissertation Acknowledgements?

As mentioned previously, some universities will push you to thank your supervisor since they directly supported your work during your studies. Apart from that, we recommend that thanking your supervisor is probably a good thing to do.

After all, this person has been there for you during the potential years it took for you to get this qualification. Beyond just providing guidance, academic supervisors do a lot of work behind the scenes to make your qualifications happen. Be sure to give them enough respect in this section that your university requires.

While the answer to this question is probably yes, nothing is set in stone. If you genuinely believe that they didn’t help you, or there was friction between you and your dissertation supervisor, then a curt nod to them might be all you need.

When writing acknowledgements for a dissertation or thesis, the style can be more informal compared to the rest of the dissertation. However, keeping it somewhat professional will help you succeed and look better when your assessors read it. In addition, it will also set the tone for the rest of the thesis.

The process of writing an acknowledgement can be difficult. To give you a helping hand, we’ve come up with these three steps that you can follow:

Generate Ideas

Let’s break these down further.

The very first step when needing to write an acknowledgement for a dissertation is going to be brainstorming. You should take some time to go through the past couple of years in your head. Grab a pen and some paper and write down any names that come to mind. At first, this will be obvious. Your supervisor's name will come to mind, as well as any other large figures you’ve encountered on your journey.

Spend around 30 minutes writing down absolutely everyone you can think of that’s had a positive impact on you during this process. Some could be major players, while others could just be friends that have supported you. At this point, that difference doesn’t matter.

This step is all about making sure you don’t accidentally leave someone out that should be on there. As always, be sure to move through both personal and professional names, jotting down all the people that have been a part of your journey. Creating this basis will help make sure you include everyone you want there, as well as help you instantly know who is more important to include in the acknowledgements than others.

As we’ve suggested, as you create this mindmap of different people that have helped you, some names will definitely stand out more than others. While one person could have been pivotal in the creation of your dissertation, others could have just been minor positive influences.

Once you have a completed mindmap of absolutely everyone you can think of, it’s time to categorize them. There are three main categories you should include here:

• Massive Thanks - This category is for those people that really carried you through this project. Your academic supervisor, best friend, parents, partner, or someone else that was essential to you completing the paper. These are people that you must absolutely include in when turning to write your acknowledgement for a dissertation. If you could only select a few people, these are the chosen few that would make the cut.
• Big Thanks - This category is for people that have definitely lent you a hand along the way. Maybe it’s your flatmates that have coached you through some tough times or a peer that you’ve bounced ideas off. This section will be filled with people that are most likely going to make the cut, but not in the first paragraph.
• Thank You - Finally, we turn to the third category we can put people into. Don’t get things twisted, these people still definitely helped you during your dissertation. Maybe they provided some insight, or maybe they’re just people you think you should thank. No matter who they are, this category is a catch-all for them.

Across these three categories, you’ll now have a fairly clear hierarchy of which people are the most important in your project and which are the least. If you’re short on space, then you’re going to cut people out of your dissertation acknowledgements from the bottom tier up.

Once you have this list, it’s going to be much easier to then actually write an acknowledgement for a dissertation. You’ll have a range of people to touch upon and will know exactly where they fall in your list of priorities. Knowing who to include is always the first step, so if you’re already this far, you’re flying.

Next, we turn to structuring your dissertation. To help you with this, we’ve actually created a whole article filled with some of the best dissertation acknowledgement examples for you to browse through. These will help you understand what you should include and how you should structure your writing.

When structuring your acknowledgements, also break it down into paragraphs. This logical structure is both easy to follow and easy to plan. You only need to decide if you start with the most important people of the least important. For example, you could cover a list of names before then going into longer descriptions of the Massive Thanks group of people.

Alternatively, you could start with a longer paragraph that gives thanks to your Massive Thanks group before then transitioning and moving down to Big Thanks and, finally the Thank You group.

The wonders of online writing are that you can write out each paragraph and then structure them however you’d like. Move things around and see which structure speaks to you.

Write your Dissertation Acknowledgements

Once you’ve got all of your names and know the structure you want to follow, it’s time to write the acknowledgement section of your dissertation. This could be the hardest part, but with the level of planning you’ve done, things might just flow.

We recommend that you let your creativity flow here. Just writing, without editing or without double checking what you’re doing. Letting yourself get into a flow state where you continue to produce words will allow you to get as much down on paper as possible. From there, all you need to do is edit, which is considerably easier than writing itself.

Although this may seem strange, you’ve got to remember that the whole point of an acknowledgement section is to give thanks to people. Speaking from your heart - as cheesy as that sounds - is absolutely the way to go here. Unfortunately, there isn't any easy way to ‘hack’ this; you just need to get pen to paper and let your gratitude show.

As a side note, you should always use full names as well as titles. In fact, by proving their title, you will be able to add credibility and value to your thesis, depending on the reputation they have.

Why Is The Acknowledgement Part Of A Thesis So Important?

Given all the factors above, why is the acknowledgement part so important? First of all, and while it doesn’t have any academic impact on thesis, or dissertation, they simply look incomplete without it. Also, it would show that you respect your supervisor, colleagues, or even classmates, and that will certainly give you some extra points.

Although this is your project, you didn’t get there alone. The acknowledgement part of a theis is so important because you’re clearly stating that you worked from a position of community on this project. The final work is yours, by the support and mental help you got along the way are a reflection of the net of friends, family, co-workers, and academic support that you’ve always had.

This is your moment to say thank you for all of that, permanently cementing names that mean a lot to you within your final copy of your thesis dissertation. Well, done, you’ve done it.

How To Get Started And Write Acknowledgements For Your Thesis

Getting started when writing the acknowledgement section of your thesis is simply the most difficult part. What to write, formal or informal style, and how to thank your superiors or peers the right way is important. Below, you’ll find some great start sentences to your acknowledgement part: 'I would like to...'

• Offer my special thanks to [full name - title]
• Express my sincere gratitude to [full name - title]
• Thank my supervisor/professor [full name]
• Pay my special regards to [full name]
• Deeply grateful to [full name]

These are all great ways to start the acknowledgement part of your thesis. However, let’s see how to end the acknowledgement of each individual in order to remain professional and impress the assessors.

• Assistance in the research project/survey that helped me deeply.
• Useful and insightful comments, feedback, and suggestions.
• Always believing in me at every stage of my studies
• For their contribution

Considering that only around 2% of the general population in the UK has a doctoral degree, not many people will have had the opportunity to write a thesis acknowledgement section. This can create a lot of pressure, as you’re not too sure what to expect. One of the best places to learn more about what is required is going directly to your supervisor. They can give your resources and push you in the right direction.

Turning to your supervisor when needing to write an acknowledgement for a dissertation is also a good idea because they’ll be well-versed in the general formula that your university uses when creating these sections. Often, they’ll have their own PhD that you could use as a reference. Equally, you can ask them how much is too much when it comes to thanking them.

While everyone likes a bit of praise, this is your project at the end of the day. Make sure to focus on people that helped you, but don’t give away too much credit. After all, you’re the one that’s achieved this exciting academic feat.

Closing Thoughts

This is what you had to know and how you should write an acknowledgement for a dissertation or a thesis. Starting from a more informal yet professional style to finding the right words and, ultimately, impressing your assessors with a complete thesis, this is the right path to follow. If you need any help with crafting your acknowledgements section or the final steps of your dissertation , be sure to reach out to one of our expert writing tutors .

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Written by: Thomas Babb

Thomas is a PhD candidate at Oxford University. He served as an interviewer and the lead admissions test marker at Oxford, and teaches undergraduate students at Mansfield College and St Hilda’s College. He has ten years’ experience tutoring A-Level and GCSE students across a range of subjects.

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Acknowledgement for Graduation Project (5 Samples)

October 14, 2023

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By Mohsin Khurshid

In the journey of completing your graduation project, acknowledging those who have supported you is a significant aspect. It’s a way to express gratitude for the guidance and assistance that made your project possible. Here, we’ll explore five examples of acknowledgment for your graduation final year project.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Graduation Project Acknowledgement Example
• 1.2 Final Year Project Acknowledgement Sample
• 1.3 Acknowledgement Letter for Graduation Project (Long)
• 1.4 Acknowledgment Sample for Graduation Project File
• 1.5 Sample Acknowledgement for Graduation Program (Short)
• 3 Conclusion

5 Samples of Acknowledgment for Graduation Final Year Project

Below are five examples of acknowledgment that will guide you on how to write your graduation project acknowledgment section.

Graduation Project Acknowledgement Example

Firstly, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mohsin. His kindness, patience, and guidance simplified our journey, making it both meaningful and inspiring. He instilled the confidence to keep moving forward.

I’m equally grateful to Dr. Fatima, whose exceptional teaching in IT courses significantly shaped my academic path. Thanks also to IITB College for contributing to my educational growth.

Final Year Project Acknowledgement Sample

My sincere appreciation goes to Professor Sachin Ahuja, my supervisor, whose wealth of experience greatly enhanced this project. His high standards have been instrumental in improving my skills.

I’d also like to acknowledge Dr. Sheena Angra, who provided invaluable mentorship during my transition from student to academic.

Special thanks to Simon Pearson for his guidance on the software text comparison methodology. Though it wasn’t suitable for this research, his advice was indispensable.

Lastly, I’m thankful for the University of Lincoln’s doctoral scholarship, which made this work possible.

Acknowledgement Letter for Graduation Project (Long)

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dimitrios Moshou, Chairman of Franklin College, for generously providing the college’s facilities and his unwavering patronage, crucial to the success of our project.

Our profound thanks go to Dr. Mohsin, Ph.D., the Principal of Franklin College, for his love, motivation, and enduring encouragement.

Dr. Anupam Baliyan, Ph.D., Professor, and Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Franklin College, deserves our sincere gratitude for facilitating our project.

Special recognition is due to our project coordinators, Mr. Khalid and Mr. S.Rakesh, Assistant Professors in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Franklin College. They offered unwavering support throughout our project work.

Our immense appreciation goes to our project guide, Mr. Harald Baayen, M.E., (Ph.D.), Assistant Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at Franklin College. We are indebted to him for his invaluable support, guidance, and encouragement during the project.

We are deeply grateful to all the staff members of the ECE department at Franklin College for their comprehensive support.

Our loving parents have been an unwavering source of inspiration and motivation. We express our gratitude to them, as well as our friends, who played significant roles in our lives.

Acknowledgment Sample for Graduation Project File

The successful completion of this project was not just due to my efforts but also owed much to the encouragement and guidance of several individuals. I’d like to express my gratitude to those who played a pivotal role in this achievement.

I’m profoundly grateful to the Principal, Dr. Patrizia Busato, and our Head of the department, Prof. Fiona Tweedie, for their warm support and the necessary permissions, which included access to all required equipment and materials.

A special thank you goes to Lecturer Anneke Neijt for her unwavering guidance, supervision, and provision of vital project information.

Finally, my heartiest thanks extend to my parents, friends, and well-wishers who provided invaluable encouragement and unwavering support throughout this project.

Sample Acknowledgement for Graduation Program (Short)

I’m deeply grateful to the College of Grantham for granting me the opportunity to pursue my academic dreams.

Thanks to the Anthropology Department and the Charles Center for supporting me in writing an honors thesis.

To my committee members, Dimitrios Moshou, Dr. Mohsin, and Dr. Simon Pearson, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering guidance and valuable insights throughout my project.

In your acknowledgment section, express your gratitude to individuals, institutions, and organizations that have supported or contributed to your graduation project. Include your project guide, faculty members, and anyone else who provided assistance or guidance.

Yes, it’s entirely appropriate to express your gratitude to your family and friends in the acknowledgment section. They are often a vital source of support and encouragement throughout your academic journey.

To write an acknowledgment for a final year project, express gratitude to individuals, mentors , and institutions that supported your project. Be sincere, concise, and acknowledge their contributions.

As your graduation project reaches its completion, it’s essential to remember those who played a crucial role. Crafting a thoughtful acknowledgment can convey your appreciation and make your project more meaningful. Use these samples as a guide to create your acknowledgment section, showing gratitude for the people who contributed to your academic journey.

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How to Write a Graduation Thank You Speech

Last Updated: April 27, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 414,816 times.

Graduation is an important event, and often, people like to use the occasion to thank everyone that supported them through school or a program. However, writing a good graduation speech can be challenging. Keep reading to learn how to write a graduation thank you speech , whether you are speaking to a large audience or simply making a toast at dinner.

Things You Should Know

• Start with a 2-5 sentence introduction that engages your audience. Try using a rhetorical question, quote, or short anecdote.
• Thank your friends, family, and teachers in depth in the body of your speech. This should be about 2-3 paragraphs.
• Conclude your speech with 1-2 sentences that summarize everything you've said so far.

Brainstorming Your Ideas

• If you are talking to close friends or family, address the people you are thanking by name.
• Write down every person or group of people that comes to mind. You can edit this later on.

• Be honest about why you are thanking someone.
• The reasoning here can be very simple. For example, “My history teacher always made me laugh,” or “My mom woke me up every morning” are good reasons to thank someone.
• The more heartfelt the gratitude, the better. Take time to reflect on your feelings.

• Remember, there is no wrong way to brainstorm. Just keep writing.
• Continue to freewrite until you cannot think of anything else to say, and for at least 30 minutes.
• Now, you’ve brainstormed about your speech, so it is time to write it.

Writing the Thank You Speech

• “What are you thankful for?” This is beginning with a rhetorical question, since the audience will not answer.
• As Willie Nelson once said, "When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around." This is beginning with a quote.
• “It was the first day of high school, and I stood outside the door of my first class, scared to go in. On the last day of high school, I left that same door feeling thankful.” This is beginning with an anecdote.

• For example, you can say, “I would like to thank my friends and family for always inspiring me when I felt hopeless.”
• Another example is, “I want to thank Professor Z for helping me choose a major.”
• The body of the speech comes immediately after the introduction.
• Avoid insulting or offending those you are speaking to. Do not vent about problems or criticize others during this speech.

• Another simple example is, “Once again, I am so lucky to have such great friends and family. Thank you.”
• You can end on thanking someone by saying, “The last person I want to thank is my grandma. She was always there for me. Good night.”
• An anecdote is a great way to end a speech, as well as a wonderful quote from the Romans, Victorians, or a world-famous leader. You could also end the speech with your own words of hope and well wishes.
• Keep the audience engaged by inviting them to do something physical. You might say "Can we all stand up?" or "I want you to shout 'I love this life!'"

Practicing the Speech

Sample Speeches

Expert Q&A

• Enjoy the occasion; it happens very infrequently. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• During the speech, remember to make eye contact and smile. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Practice the speech frequently to lessen your nerves. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Remember, while this is your special event and you would like to thank everyone, dragging on can embarrass the people you are talking about and bore the others. Stick to your time limit. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about giving a graduation speech, check out our in-depth interview with Patrick Muñoz .

• ↑ https://www.alaskapacific.edu/graduation-speeches-show-dedication-appreciation-and-humor/
• ↑ https://uark.pressbooks.pub/speaking/chapter/graduation-speeches/
• ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/graduation-speech-ideas
• ↑ https://www.thesaurus.com/e/writing/how-to-write-a-graduation-speech/
• ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/oralcommunication/guides/tips-for-effective-delivery

About This Article

To write a graduation thank you speech that’s less than 5 minutes long, first write a 2-5 sentence introduction. Make your introduction interesting and engaging by using a short anecdote, meaningful quotation, or rhetorical question, like “What are you thankful for?” Then, write 1-2 paragraphs naming each person you want to thank and explaining why you’re thanking them. Finally, summarize everything you’ve said in a 1-2 sentence conclusion that refers in some way to your introductory story, quotation, or question. To learn how to brainstorm ideas for your graduation thank you speech, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples

Thesis & Dissertation Acknowledgements | Tips & Examples

Published on 4 May 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on 4 November 2022.

The acknowledgements section is your opportunity to thank those who have helped and supported you personally and professionally during your thesis or dissertation process.

Thesis or dissertation acknowledgements appear between your title page and abstract  and should be no longer than one page.

In your acknowledgements, it’s okay to use a more informal style than is usually permitted in academic writing , as well as first-person pronouns . Acknowledgements are not considered part of the academic work itself, but rather your chance to write something more personal.

To get started, download our step-by-step template in the format of your choice below. We’ve also included sample sentence starters to help you construct your acknowledgments section from scratch.

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Table of contents

Who to thank in your acknowledgements, how to write acknowledgements, acknowledgements section example, acknowledgements dos and don’ts, frequently asked questions.

Generally, there are two main categories of acknowledgements: professional and personal .

A good first step is to check your university’s guidelines, as they may have rules or preferences about the order, phrasing, or layout of acknowledgements. Some institutions prefer that you keep your acknowledgements strictly professional.

Regardless, it’s usually a good idea to place professional acknowledgements first, followed by any personal ones. You can then proceed by ranking who you’d like to thank from most formal to least.

• Chairs, supervisors, or defence committees
• Funding bodies
• Other academics (e.g., colleagues or cohort members)
• Editors or proofreaders
• Librarians, research/laboratory assistants, or study participants
• Family, friends, or pets

Typically, it’s only necessary to mention people who directly supported you during your thesis or dissertation. However, if you feel that someone like a secondary school physics teacher was a great inspiration on the path to your current research, feel free to include them as well.

Professional acknowledgements

It is crucial to avoid overlooking anyone who helped you professionally as you completed your thesis or dissertation. As a rule of thumb, anyone who directly contributed to your research should be mentioned.

A few things to keep in mind include:

• Even if you feel your chair didn’t help you very much, you should still thank them first to avoid looking like you’re snubbing them.
• Be sure to follow academic conventions, using full names with titles where appropriate.
• If several members of a group or organisation assisted you, mention the collective name only.
• Remember the ethical considerations around anonymised data. If you wish to protect someone’s privacy, use only their first name or a generic identifier (such as ‘the interviewees’).

Personal acknowledgements

There is no need to mention every member of your family or friend group. However, if someone was particularly inspiring or supportive, you may wish to mention them specifically. Many people choose to thank parents, partners, children, friends, and even pets, but you can mention anyone who offered moral support or encouragement, or helped you in a tangible or intangible way.

Some students may wish to dedicate their dissertation to a deceased influential person in their personal life. In this case, it’s okay to mention them first, before any professional acknowledgements.

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After you’ve compiled a list of who you’d like to thank, you can then sort your list into rank order. Separate everyone you listed into ‘major thanks’, ‘big thanks’, and ‘minor thanks’ categories.

• ‘Major thanks’ are given to people who your project would be impossible without. These are often predominantly professional acknowledgements, such as your advisor , chair, and committee, as well as any funders.
• ‘Big thanks’ are an in-between, for those who helped you along the way or helped you grow intellectually, such as classmates, peers, or librarians.
• ‘Minor thanks’ can be a catch-all for everyone else, especially those who offered moral support or encouragement. This can include personal acknowledgements, such as parents, partners, children, friends, or even pets.

How to phrase your acknowledgements

To avoid acknowledgements that sound repetitive or dull, consider changing up your phrasing. Here are some examples of common sentence starters you can use for each category.

Note that you do not need to write any sort of conclusion or summary at the end. You can simply end the acknowledgements with your last thank-you.

Here’s an example of how you can combine the different sentences to write your acknowledgements.

A simple construction consists of a sentence starter (in purple highlight ), followed by the person or entity mentioned (in green highlight ), followed by what you’re thanking them for (in yellow highlight .)

Acknowledgements

Words cannot express my gratitude to my professor and chair of my committee for her invaluable patience and feedback. I also could not have undertaken this journey without my defense committee, who generously provided knowledge and expertise. Additionally, this endeavor would not have been possible without the generous support from the MacArthur Foundation, who financed my research .

I am also grateful to my classmates and cohort members, especially my office mates, for their editing help, late-night feedback sessions, and moral support. Thanks should also go to the librarians, research assistants, and study participants from the university, who impacted and inspired me.

Lastly, I would be remiss in not mentioning my family, especially my parents, spouse, and children. Their belief in me has kept my spirits and motivation high during this process. I would also like to thank my cat for all the entertainment and emotional support.

• Write in first-person, professional language
• Thank your professional contacts first
• Include full names, titles, and roles of professional acknowledgements
• Include personal or intangible supporters, like friends, family, or even pets
• Mention funding bodies and what they funded
• Appropriately anonymise or group research participants or non-individual acknowledgments

Don’t:

• Use informal language or slang
• Go over one page in length
• Mention people who had only a peripheral or minor impact on your work

You may acknowledge God in your thesis or dissertation acknowledgements , but be sure to follow academic convention by also thanking the relevant members of academia, as well as family, colleagues, and friends who helped you.

Yes, it’s important to thank your supervisor(s) in the acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation .

Even if you feel your supervisor did not contribute greatly to the final product, you still should acknowledge them, if only for a very brief thank you. If you do not include your supervisor, it may be seen as a snub.

In the acknowledgements of your thesis or dissertation, you should first thank those who helped you academically or professionally, such as your supervisor, funders, and other academics.

Then you can include personal thanks to friends, family members, or anyone else who supported you during the process.

The acknowledgements are generally included at the very beginning of your thesis or dissertation, directly after the title page and before the abstract .

In a thesis or dissertation, the acknowledgements should usually be no longer than one page. There is no minimum length.

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When writing a complete graduation thesis, the thank you part at the end is indispensable. This is also the author's gratitude to the teachers and classmates who helped in the process of writing the graduation thesis, but how to write the graduation thesis thanks? What is there to pay attention to? Next, I will let you know about it.

Graduation thesis acknowledgements are generally divided into the following aspects:

The first is to thank the thesis supervisor (the direction of thanks is: the supervisor's contribution to this paper and the teaching and influence of the author of the paper).

Then I would like to express my gratitude to the teacher who provided help in the process of writing the paper (the direction of thanks is: the teacher provided help and guidance for the experimental part of this paper, and solved the problems in the experimental part of the paper, etc.)

The third part is the gratitude to the brothers, sisters, classmates, brothers, sisters and friends who have helped you to do experiments or search materials during the writing process of the thesis.

The fourth paragraph is to thank your family and friends for their support in writing and studying.

How to write a thank you

The general order of acknowledgment is to thank the tutors and teachers first, then the author's classmates and friends, and finally the parents and relatives.

Graduates often look back at the beginning with a thousand thoughts and mixed feelings. The first thing to express is the theme of the passage of time. A series of words such as "the sun rises and sets, the tide rises and falls, the flowers bloom and fade, the clouds roll in the clouds, the white horses pass the gap, the sun and the moon rush, and the time flies" appear more frequently. In addition, according to the actual situation of the school, they often use highly characteristic mountains, water, grass, wood and other objects to express the rush of time. Yiduo will use the method of comparing the past and the present to express their growth at this stage, which leads to the theme of thanks.

At the end, quote many famous sentences, such as quoting Mu Dan's poem "Meditation": "This is how I know all my efforts, but I have completed an ordinary life" to express my thoughts on the meaning of life; quote from "The Legend of the Galactic Heroes" Lines: "Our journey is the sea of stars", expressing his belief in completing this journey and starting the next one; citing Lu You's poem "Book Sighs": "Life is like a spring silkworm, wrapping itself in a cocoon. It is also with me", expressing no regrets about the past; quoting the words of heroes in martial arts novels: "The green hills will not change, the green water will always flow, and we will see you again in the rivers and lakes", expressing the optimistic view of seeing friends again in the future.

Today's editor's sharing is here. If you have any doubts or want to know more related content, you can pay more attention to the updated content of our website.

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Here's Exactly What to Write in Your Graduation Card to Congratulate the Class of 2024

W hether you’re celebrating in person, or sending your sister, brother, or friend a graduation card in your absence, wish the new graduate in your life all the best on their hard work and future successes with these thoughtful graduation wishes . No matter if your daughter, son, or distant relative is celebrating their preschool graduation , high school graduation , college graduation , or some level of higher ed, we have a host of short and sweet messages to share in honor of their aptitude and achievement.

Among our list of sayings, we have funny graduation messages , inspirational graduation quotes , and classic congratulatory wishes to send the graduate your best regards and to say "Happy Graduation!" in a unique way.

Because graduation season can be a hectic time of year, we recommend bookmarking this page to reference any time you receive a graduation invite in the mail. And if you’re on the hunt for graduation presents as well, we’ve got that too! We have cheap graduation gifts for those buying in bulk, law school graduation gifts for the soon-to-be attorney, medical school graduation gifts for the new doctor in your life, and many more.

So join the new grad in honoring this momentous achievement, and don’t forget to share a heartfelt “I’m proud of you” as you celebrate.

Short Graduation Wishes

• This is only the beginning. Congratulations!
• You did it! Congratulations.
• Caps off to you, graduate. Feel proud of your academic achievement!
• Your future is beyond bright. Congratulations on a job well done!
• After years of hard work and sacrifice, it’s finally paid off. Congratulations!
• Warmest congratulations on your academic milestone!
• I’m so proud of you! Congratulations on this exceptional accomplishment.
• It’s time to celebrate, and relish this momentous occasion! Congratulations on charting your path to the future.
• Best wishes on this spectacular day of achievement! Congratulations, graduate.
• Congratulations on your well-deserved success!
• I’m proud of you for always hitting the books and staying the course. A new adventure awaits. Congratulations!
• The world is yours!
• The sky's the limit!
• Congratulations on your graduation, and best wishes for your journey ahead.
• Congratulations on your well-deserved accomplishment.
• Sincerest congratulations on your graduation.
• I wish you all the best: Your future is very bright. Warmest congratulations on your graduation.
• Thank you for inviting me to share in celebrating this much-deserved accomplishment. Congratulations, graduate!
• Warmest congratulations, and best of luck in your future pursuits.

Funny Graduation Messages

• Congrats on collecting the fanciest piece of paper you’ll ever own.
• When they hand you your diploma, keep walking, just in case they try to take it back.
• My hope for you is that your impactful memories of college last longer than your student loans.
• We both accomplished something today. You: a diploma. Me: not falling asleep during the ceremony.
• Don’t forget to thank those who were really there for you … Starbucks, Google, and ChatGPT.
• Congrats on filling a minimum job requirement!
• Kudos to you for FINALLY graduating!
• I guess Cs really do get degrees. Congrats, grad!
• Congrats on your degree and newly formed caffeine addiction.
• Congratulations! Now you can finally start getting paid to work, rather than paying to do it!
• You did it... now let's party!
• Now that you have the degree, you can start paying the bills! Congratulations, grad!

Inspirational Graduation Wishes

• Today is just one of life's many sweet victories. Be sure to stop, and savor this incredible moment!
• Make a difference. Live the dream. Relish the adventure. Make your mark. Happy graduation.
• Graduation is not the end — it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. I can’t wait to watch you excel.
• Never be afraid to follow your dreams. Remember, you’re the only person who can fulfill them. You’ve got this!
• Now is your time! You’re unstoppable. I want you to enjoy, and celebrate this outstanding accomplishment.
• Never let a setback take you off track. Stay focused, and continue to chase your dreams!
• Chasing a dream requires passion and hard work. Congratulations on graduating and your continuous strive!
• Your dedication and hard work have paid off. We're excited to see you soar!
• You’re on your way to greatness; witnessing your success is a joy and privilege. We will always root for you.
• Keep going, no matter what obstacles may get in your way. We know you’re fearless and can overcome any challenges. Congratulations on getting this far in your quest for knowledge.
• Today, as you receive your diploma, remember all that you’ve accomplished. The best is yet to come! Keep striving for success, and you will have all your heart’s desires.
• There is no challenge you can't conquer. Sincerest congratulations on this incredible achievement.
• I have no doubt you will meet all of life's challenges with aplomb. Congratulations on your enormous accomplishment!

Wise Graduation Card Messages

• As you make your way in the world, never lose sight of the things that matter most. Congratulations!
• Be bold, be fearless, and watch your best self blossom while you accomplish your dreams.
• Always maintain a positive attitude, and never stop believing in yourself. Confidence goes a long way. Kudos to you!
• When it seems like others are outperforming you on the path to success, keep in mind that everyone blossoms at their own pace. Stay focused. Congratulations!
• There will be times when the road seems bumpy, but never give up. Stay the course, and the destination will be even sweeter. I know you can do it!
• School may be over, but never stop asking questions. Questions are the keys to unlocking endless opportunities.
• Start each day believing in your dreams. Know without a doubt that you were made for great things.
• No one will believe in you if you don’t believe in yourself. Stay encouraged, and always remember your worth.
• Continue to set the bar high, and attempt to exceed expectations. Happy graduation!
• Today will soon be a memory, so be present, and relish every second of it. Caps off to you, graduate!

Graduation Wishes for Family Members

• I'm always in your corner, but today, the stage is all yours. You did it!
• Education is the key which unlocks all your potential. It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. We know the degree you’ve worked so hard for will help you thrive in the field you’ve chosen. We love you so much, congratulations.
• I've been behind you all the way, and I always will be. Congrats, graduate!
• Duties and responsibilities go hand in hand. It's time to take even more responsible decisions. You're a graduate! Happy Graduation Day!
• There's never been anything you couldn't do when you put your mind to it. Congratulations!
• This is your achievement, but you've never been alone — and you never will be. I'm honored to be on your winning team.
• I know just how much work this represents, and I hope your heart is swelling with the same pride as mine.
• I can't wait to witness the magic you'll create. Congratulations!
• Congratulations to our little graduate. No matter where you go or how successful you become, never lose faith in God. Always be humble. Your parents always think about you.
• I never doubted you'd make it, and here you are. My heart is bursting with pride.
• School may be over, but family is forever.
• School's out, but your journey is just beginning. I can't wait to see where it takes you!
• Your future is bright. For all of the late night studies and sacrifices of enjoyment and parties, your reward is finally here. Congratulations to our beloved child who has emerged victorious.
• I hope you know how proud I am of you.
• I've always believed in you — and I always will. Congrats, grad!
• It’s hard to believe that today is finally here. It seems just like yesterday you were a baby playing with alphabet blocks, now, you’re graduating. Congratulations!
• We still remember your first day of school. On that day, we were nervous to send you away. Today feels the same. We are nervous yet again, as you face the world by yourself, but deep inside, we know you’ll always come out a winner. Best of luck, son.
• I stand by you today — and I always will. Congrats on your big day!
• I'm so happy to share in the joy and excitement of your big day.
• I'm honored to join you in celebrating this important milestone. Congratulations on your graduation!
• Being here, by your side today, means the world to me.
• Sharing this day with you is one of my proudest moments. Congratulations!
• Congrats, grad! I'm alongside you on your journey today, and always.
• It would have meant the world to me to share this day with you. But know, I am celebrating your huge success across the miles. Congratulations!
• The only thing that would have made this day more perfect is if we could have celebrated it together. (But in my heart, I'm by your side.) Congratulations!
• My regret over missing this day is eclipsed only by my overflowing pride in you, graduate.
• It would have been my great pleasure to celebrate your big day in person, but I hope you can feel me cheering you on from afar. Congrats on your big day!
• I'm sorry I'm not there in person, but I'm with you on every step of your journey — you can count on that.
• Congratulations on your graduation day! I’m right there with you in spirit.
• I'm sorry to miss the big day, but I promise we'll celebrate together as soon as we can. Congratulations, grad!

Famous Quotes for Graduation Cards

• “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” — William Shakespeare
• "You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." — Carter Crocker, Pooh's Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin
• "Whatever you choose for a career path, remember, the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose." — Chadwick Boseman
• "Change takes courage." — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
• “Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” — Napoleon Hill
• "Be the change that you wish to see in the world." — Mahatma Gandhi
• “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
• “ Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.” — Albert Einstein
• "Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” — Nora Ephron
• "We will fail when we fail to try." — Rosa Parks
• "My dear, terrified graduates, you are about to enter the most uncertain and thrilling period of your lives." — Lin-Manuel Miranda
• “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X
• "You must do the thing you think you cannot do." — Eleanor Roosevelt, You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life
• "We know what we are but know not what we may be.” — William Shakespeare, Hamlet
• “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” — Steve Jobs
• "Once you face your fear, nothing is ever as hard as you think. "— Olivia Newton-John
• “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” — Babe Ruth
• “There are no regrets in life. Just lessons.” — Jennifer Aniston
• “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” — Henry David Thoreau
• “I encourage you to live with life. Be courageous, adventurous. Give us a tomorrow, more than we deserve.” — Maya Angelou
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• MyU : For Students, Faculty, and Staff

News Roundup Spring 2024

CEGE Spring Graduation Celebration and Order of the Engineer

Forty-seven graduates of the undergraduate and grad student programs (pictured above) in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo- Engineering took part in the Order of the Engineer on graduation day. Distinguished Speakers at this departmental event included Katrina Kessler (MS EnvE 2021), Commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and student Brian Balquist. Following this event, students participated in the college-wide Commencement Ceremony at 3M Arena at Mariucci. 

UNIVERSITY & DEPARTMENT

The University of Minnesota’s Crookston, Duluth, and Rochester campuses have been awarded the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, joining the Twin Cities (2006, 2015) and Morris campuses (2015), and making the U of M the country’s first and only university system at which every individual campus has received this selective designation. Only 368 from nearly 4,000 qualifying U.S. universities and colleges have been granted this designation.

CEGE contributed strongly to the College of Science and Engineering’s efforts toward sustainability research. CEGE researchers are bringing in over $35 million in funded research to study carbon mineralization, nature and urban areas, circularity of water resources, and global snowfall patterns. This news was highlighted in the Fall 2023 issue of  Inventing Tomorrow  (pages 10-11). https://issuu.com/inventingtomorrow/docs/fall_2023_inventing_tomorrow-web

CEGE’s new program for a one-year master’s degree in structural engineering is now accepting applicants for Fall 2024. We owe a big thanks to DAN MURPHY and LAURA AMUNDSON for their volunteer work to help curate the program with Professor JIA-LIANG LE and EBRAHIM SHEMSHADIAN, the program director. Potential students and companies interested in hosting a summer intern can contact Ebrahim Shemshadian ( [email protected] ).

BERNIE BULLERT , CEGE benefactor and MN Water Research Fund founder, was profiled on the website of the University of Minnesota Foundation (UMF). There you can read more about his mission to share clean water technologies with smaller communities in Minnesota. Many have joined Bullert in this mission. MWRF Recognizes their Generous 2024 Partners. Gold Partners: Bernie Bullert, Hawkins, Inc., Minnesota Department of Health, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and SL-serco. Silver Partners: ISG, Karl and Pam Streed, Kasco, Kelly Lange-Haider and Mark Haider, ME Simpson, Naeem Qureshi, Dr. Paul H. Boening, TKDA, and Waterous. Bronze Partners: Bruce R. Bullert; Brenda Lenz, Ph.D., APRN FNP-C, CNE; CDM Smith; Central States Water Environment Association (CSWEA MN); Heidi and Steve Hamilton; Jim “Bulldog” Sadler; Lisa and Del Cerney; Magney Construction; Sambatek; Shannon and John Wolkerstorfer; Stantec; and Tenon Systems.

After retiring from Baker-Tilly,  NICK DRAGISICH  (BCE 1977) has taken on a new role: City Council member in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. After earning his BCE from the University of Minnesota, Dragisich earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas. Dragisich retired in May from his position as managing director at Baker Tilly, where he had previously served as firm director. Prior to that, he served as assistant city manager in Spokane, Washington, was the city administrator and city engineer in Virginia, Minnesota, and was mayor of Chisholm, Minnesota—all adding up to more than 40 years of experience in local government. Dragisich was selected by a unanimous vote. His current term expires in December 2024.

PAUL F. GNIRK  (Ph.D. 1966) passed away January 29, 2024, at the age of 86. A memorial service was held Saturday, February 24, at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T), where he started and ended his teaching career, though he had many other positions, professional and voluntary. In 2018 Paul was inducted into the SDSM&T Hardrocker Hall of Fame, and in 2022, he was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame, joining his mother Adeline S. Gnirk, who had been inducted in 1987 for her work authoring nine books on the history of south central South Dakota.

ROGER M. HILL  (BCE 1957) passed away on January 13, 2024, at the age of 90. His daughter, Kelly Robinson, wrote to CEGE that Roger was “a dedicated Gopher fan until the end, and we enjoyed many football games together in recent years. Thank you for everything.”

KAUSER JAHAN  (Ph.D. 1993, advised by Walter Maier), PE, is now a civil and environmental engineering professor and department head at Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering. Jahan was awarded a 3-year (2022- 2025), $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The grant supports her project, “WaterWorks: Developing the New Generation of Workforce for Water/Wastewater Utilities,” for the development of educational tools that will expose and prepare today’s students for careers in water and wastewater utilities.

SAURA JOST  (BCE 2010, advised by Timothy LaPara) was elected to the St. Paul City Council for Ward 3. She is part of the historic group of women that make up the nation’s first all-female city council in a large city.

The 2024 ASCE Western Great Lakes Student Symposium combines several competitions for students involved in ASCE. CEGE sent a large contingent of competitors to Chicago. Each of the competition groups won awards: Ethics Paper 1st place Hans Lagerquist; Sustainable Solutions team 1st place overall in (qualifying them for the National competition in Utah in June); GeoWall 2nd place overall; Men’s Sprint for Concrete Canoe with rowers Sakthi Sundaram Saravanan and Owen McDonald 2nd place; Product Prototype for Concrete Canoe 2nd place; Steel Bridge (200 lb bridge weight) 2nd place in lightness; Scavenger Hunt 3rd place; and Aesthetics and Structural Efficiency for Steel Bridge 4th place.

Students competing on the Minnesota Environmental Engineers, Scientists, and Enthusiasts (MEESE) team earned second place in the Conference on the Environment undergraduate student design competition in November 2023. Erin Surdo is the MEESE Faculty Adviser. Pictured are NIKO DESHPANDE, ANNA RETTLER, and SYDNEY OLSON.

The CEGE CLASS OF 2023 raised money to help reduce the financial barrier for fellow students taking the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, a cost of $175 per test taker. As a result of this gift, they were able to make the exam more affordable for 15 current CEGE seniors. CEGE students who take the FE exam pass the first time at a rate well above national averages, demonstrating that CEGE does a great job of teaching engineering fundamentals. In 2023, 46 of 50 students passed the challenging exam on the first try.

This winter break, four CEGE students joined 10 other students from the College of Science and Engineering for the global seminar, Design for Life: Water in Tanzania. The students visited numerous sites in Tanzania, collected water source samples, designed rural water systems, and went on safari. Read the trip blog: http://globalblogs.cse.umn.edu/search/label/Tanzania%202024

Undergraduate Honor Student  MALIK KHADAR  (advised by Dr. Paul Capel) received honorable mention for the Computing Research Association (CRA) Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award for undergraduate students who show outstanding research potential in an area of computing research.

GRADUATE STUDENTS

AKASH BHAT  (advised by William Arnold) presented his Ph.D. defense on Friday, October 27, 2023. Bhat’s thesis is “Photolysis of fluorochemicals: Tracking fluorine, use of UV-LEDs, and computational insights.” Bhat’s work investigating the degradation of fluorinated compounds will assist in the future design of fluorinated chemicals such that persistent and/or toxic byproducts are not formed in the environment.

ETHAN BOTMEN  (advised by Bill Arnold) completed his Master of Science Final Exam February 28, 2024. His research topic was Degradation of Fluorinated Compounds by Nucleophilic Attack of Organo-fluorine Functional Groups.

XIATING CHEN , Ph.D. Candidate in Water Resources Engineering at the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory is the recipient of the 2023 Nels Nelson Memorial Fellowship Award. Chen (advised by Xue Feng) is researching eco-hydrological functions of urban trees and other green infrastructure at both the local and watershed scale, through combined field observations and modeling approaches.

ALICE PRATES BISSO DAMBROZ  has been a Visiting Student Researcher at the University of Minnesota since last August, on a Doctoral Dissertation Research Award from Fulbright. Her CEGE advisor is Dr. Paul Capel. Dambroz is a fourth year Ph.D. student in Soil Science at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria in Brazil, where she studies with her adviser Jean Minella. Her research focuses on the hydrological monitoring of a small agricultural watershed in Southern Brazil, which is located on a transition area between volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Its topography, shallow soils, and land use make it prone to runoff and erosion processes.

Yielding to people in crosswalks should be a very pedestrian topic. Yet graduate student researchers  TIANYI LI, JOSHUA KLAVINS, TE XU, NIAZ MAHMUD ZAFRI  (Dept.of Urban and Regional Planning at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology), and Professor Raphael Stern found that drivers often do not yield to pedestrians, but they are influenced by the markings around a crosswalk. Their work was picked up by the  Minnesota Reformer.

TIANYI LI  (Ph.D. student advised by Raphael Stern) also won the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation (DDET) Fellowship for the third time! Li (center) and Stern (right) are pictured at the Federal Highway Administration with Latoya Jones, the program manager for the DDET Fellowship.

The Three Minute Thesis Contest and the Minnesota Nice trophy has become an annual tradition in CEGE. 2023’s winner was  EHSANUR RAHMAN , a Ph.D. student advised by Boya Xiong.

GUANJU (WILLIAM) WEI , a Ph.D. student advised by Judy Yang, is the recipient of the 2023 Heinz G. Stefan Fellowship. He presented his research entitled Microfluidic Investigation of the Biofilm Growth under Dynamic Fluid Environments and received his award at the St. Anthony Falls Research Laboratory April 9. The results of Wei's research can be used in industrial, medical, and scientific fields to control biofilm growth.

BILL ARNOLD  stars in an award-winning video about prairie potholes. The Prairie Potholes Project film was made with the University of Delaware and highlights Arnold’s NSF research. The official winners of the 2024 Environmental Communications Awards Competition Grand Prize are Jon Cox and Ben Hemmings who produced and directed the film. Graduate student Marcia Pacheco (CFANS/LAAS) and Bill Arnold are the on-screen stars.

Four faculty from CEGE join the Center for Transportation Studies Faculty and Research Scholars for FY24–25:  SEONGJIN CHOI, KETSON ROBERTO MAXIMIANO DOS SANTOS, PEDRAM MORTAZAVI,  and  BENJAMIN WORSFOLD . CTS Scholars are drawn from diverse fields including engineering, planning, computer science, environmental studies, and public policy.

XUE FENG  is coauthor on an article in  Nature Reviews Earth and Environment . The authors evaluate global plant responses to changing rainfall regimes that are now characterized by fewer and larger rainfall events. A news release written at Univ. of Maryland can be found here: https://webhost.essic. umd.edu/april-showers-bring-mayflowers- but-with-drizzles-or-downpours/ A long-running series of U of M research projects aimed at improving stormwater quality are beginning to see practical application by stormwater specialists from the Twin Cities metro area and beyond. JOHN GULLIVER has been studying best practices for stormwater management for about 16 years. Lately, he has focused specifically on mitigating phosphorous contamination. His research was highlighted by the Center for Transportation Studies.

JIAQI LI, BILL ARNOLD,  and  RAYMOND HOZALSKI  published a paper on N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) precursors in Minnesota rivers. “Animal Feedlots and Domestic Wastewater Discharges are Likely Sources of N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) Precursors in Midwestern Watersheds,” Environmental Science and Technology (January 2024) doi: 10.1021/acs. est.3c09251

ALIREZA KHANI  contributed to MnDOT research on Optimizing Charging Infrastructure for Electric Trucks. Electric options for medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks (e-trucks) are still largely in development. These trucks account for a substantial percentage of transportation greenhouse gas emissions. They have greater power needs and different charging needs than personal EVs. Proactively planning for e-truck charging stations will support MnDOT in helping to achieve the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. This research was featured in the webinar “Electrification of the Freight System in Minnesota,” hosted by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies. A recording of the event is now available online.

MICHAEL LEVIN  has developed a unique course for CEGE students on Air Transportation Systems. It is the only class at UMN studying air transportation systems from an infrastructure design and management perspective. Spring 2024 saw the third offering of this course, which is offered for juniors, seniors, and graduate students.

Research Professor  SOFIA (SONIA) MOGILEVSKAYA  has been developing international connections. She visited the University of Seville, Spain, November 13–26, 2023, where she taught a short course titled “Fundamentals of Homogenization in Composites.” She also met with the graduate students to discuss collaborative research with Prof. Vladislav Mantic, from the Group of Continuum Mechanics and Structural Analysis at the University of Seville. Her visit was a part of planned activities within the DIAGONAL Consortium funded by the European Commission. CEGE UMN is a partner organization within DIAGONAL, represented by CEGE professors Mogilevskaya and Joseph Labuz. Mantic will visit CEGE summer 2024 to follow up on research developments and discuss plans for future collaboration and organization of short-term exchange visits for the graduate students from each institution. 

DAVID NEWCOMB  passed away in March. He was a professor in CEGE from 1989–99 in the area of pavement engineering. Newcomb led the research program on asphalt materials characterization. He was the technical director of Mn/ROAD pavement research facility, and he started an enduring collaboration with MnDOT that continues today. In 2000, he moved from Minnesota to become vice-president for Research and Technology at the National Asphalt Pavement Association. Later he moved to his native Texas, where he was appointed to the division head of Materials and Pavement at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, a position from which he recently retired. He will be greatly missed.

PAIGE NOVAK  won Minnesota ASCE’s 2023 Distinguished Engineer of the Year Award for her contributions to society through her engineering achievements and professional experiences.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announced ten inaugural (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines awards, with a potential $1.6 billion investment nationally over the next decade. Great Lakes ReNEW is led by the Chicago-based water innovation hub,  Current,  and includes a team from the University of Minnesota, including PAIGE NOVAK. Current will receive $15 mil for the first two years, and up to $160 million over ten years to develop and grow a water-focused innovation engine in the Great Lakes region. The project’s ambitious plan is to create a decarbonized circular “blue economy” to leverage the region’s extraordinary water resources to transform the upper Midwest—Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Brewing one pint of beer generates seven pints of wastewater, on average. So what can you do with that wastewater?  PAIGE NOVAK  and her team are exploring the possibilities of capturing pollutants in wastewater and using bacteria to transform them into energy.

BOYA XIONG  has been selected as a recipient of the 2024 40 Under 40 Recognition Program by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists. The award was presented at the 2024 AAEES Awards Ceremony, April 11, 2024, at the historic Howard University in Washington, D.C. 

JUDY Q. YANG  received a McKnight Land-Grant Professorship Award. This two-year award recognizes promising assistant professors and is intended to advance the careers of individuals who have the potential to make significant contributions to their departments and their scholarly fields. 

Professor Emeritus CHARLES FAIRHURST , his son CHARLES EDWARD FAIRHURST , and his daughter MARGARET FAIRHURST DURENBERGER were on campus recently to present Department Head Paige Novak with a check for $25,000 for the Charles Fairhurst Fellowship in Earth Resources Engineering in support of graduate students studying geomechanics. The life of Charles Fairhurst through a discussion with his children is featured on the Engineering and Technology History Wiki at https://ethw.org/Oral-History:Charles_Fairhurst#00:00:14_INTRODUCTION

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