UWE Bristol celebrates achievements of thousands of students at Graduation ceremonies
The academic achievements of nearly 3,000 students will be celebrated this week (24-28 November 2025) as UWE Bristol’s autumn Graduation ceremonies take place at the Bristol Beacon.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students across the university’s three colleges will cross the stage, bringing nearly 10,000 guests with them throughout the week.
UWE Bristol has also announced four individuals receiving honorary degrees during the Graduation ceremonies, who are being recognised for their outstanding achievements in their fields. They are:
Shirine Khoury-Haq, Group CEO at Co-op – Honorary Doctor of Business Administration in recognition of her exceptional career modelling ethical leadership and paving the way for women and those from global majority backgrounds.
John Wroe, Founder and CEO at Street Child United – Honorary Doctor of Education in recognition of his commitment to improving the lives of street children through establishing Street Child United, a charity that uses the power of sport to transform futures.
Jenny Foster, Co-Director at Global Goals Centre – Honorary Doctor of Education in recognition of her contribution in the fields of international development, sustainability and social justice, her commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals and contribution to the development of climate and sustainable education through the leadership of Global Goals Centre.
Del LaGrace Volcano, photographer and performer – Honorary Doctor of Arts in recognition of their 50-year contribution to art, education and activism that interrogates gender, makes sexual variance visible, and celebrates queerness, both in the Bristol creative sector and on the international stage.
Two inspirational UWE Bristol alumni will address the graduates throughout the week. They are Nicola Barke, a biomedical science graduate who is a two-sport World Champion and the UK’s first female Lethwei fighter, breaking barriers in one of the world’s toughest combat sports; and Sangeetha Wynter, a primary early years education graduate and qualified primary school teacher who now leads the Youth Empowerment Team at Babbasa, driving impactful strategies and projects for young people, championing a more equitable society for all.
Professor Sir Steve West, Vice-Chancellor of UWE Bristol said: “I’d like to send my congratulations to every student graduating this week. This achievement represents years of commitment and hard work.
“It’s also a great pleasure to be presenting honorary degrees to four remarkable individuals, who have all made an outstanding contribution in their field. I’m confident their example will inspire our graduates as they embark on the next stage of their lives.”
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