Celebrations begin for thousands of UWE Bristol graduates

Nearly 6,000 UWE Bristol students will cross the stage at the Bristol Beacon over the next two weeks (13-23 July) as they celebrate their academic achievements at the University’s Graduation ceremonies.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students from across UWE Bristol’s three colleges will bring around 20,000 guests to the city to join them in the momentous occasion.

UWE Bristol has also announced a number of individuals who will be receiving Honorary Degrees during the summer Graduation ceremonies. The recipients are being recognised for their outstanding achievements in the field. They include:

Jamie Sanigar and Martin Bisp, Co-Founders of Empire Fighting Chance - Honorary Doctors of Education in recognition of their commitment to improving the lives of young people in Bristol.

Professor Jason Payne-James, Forensic Physician and Specialist in Forensic & Legal Medicine  - Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of his exceptional contribution to forensic and legal medicine through pioneering clinical practice, influential research, and authoritative publications that have advanced global standards in medico-legal care.

Vicki Brown KAM, Advanced Practitioner in Critical Care at Great Western Air Ambulance - Honorary Doctor of Science for her exceptional service to emergency medicine, her national leadership in advancing paramedic practice, and her transformative impact on improving critical-care outcomes for patients in the region.

Poku Osei, Social Entrepreneur, Founder of Babbasa and Merop Consulting - Honorary Doctor of Business Administration in recognition of his commitment to fostering social mobility and socially sustainable entrepreneurship.

Camilla Rigby and Rachel Mostyn, Co-Founders of Women’s Work Lab - Honorary Doctors of Business Administration in recognition of their ambitious leadership and commitment to break down barriers to enable and empower women to successfully and meaningfully return to work and secure a future for themselves and their families.

Dr Sarah Prichard, Global Director of Projects and Operational Excellence at Buro Happold - Honorary Doctor of Engineering in recognition of her exceptional leadership in advancing women in engineering and her significant global contribution to sustainability, STEM advocacy, and the engineering profession.

Nick Sturge MBE, Managing Partner at Omnigenix and Co-Founder of Engine Shed - Honorary Doctor of Business Administration in recognition of his visionary leadership and values-driven, inclusive, and collaborative contribution to the West of England’s tech ecosystem and regional economy.

Donald Chi-Keung Tong, Executive Director of the Vocational Training Council - Honorary Doctor of Business Administration in recognition of his exemplary leadership, commitment to education, and significant contribution to public service and the community.

Steven England, Wildlife Conservationist - Honorary Master of Science in recognition of his services to protecting local environment and championing the Wallscourt Farm heritage, and its connection to UWE Frenchay Campus.

Sir Richard Long, Artist- Honorary Doctor of Arts in recognition of pioneering contemporary art for over half a century by walking extensive distances solo and creating thought-provoking sculptures and artworks in remote and challenging environments across the world.

Betty Jackson CBE, Fashion Designer - Honorary Doctor of Design in recognition of her support for the Fashion Textiles students’ application of their creativity for enterprising outcomes.

Miles Bullough, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Wildseed Studios - Honorary Doctor of Arts in recognition of his commitment to providing mentoring and opportunities to new entrants into the animation and film industry and his contribution to championing diversity in the creative industries.

UWE Bristol’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Steve West said: “I’d like to send my congratulations to every one of our students who is graduating over the next two weeks. They should be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved, dedicating themselves to their degree education to further their future career opportunities. We wish them the best of luck for their next chapter.

“Our Honorary Degree recipients are outstanding individuals who have made a significant contribution to their industries and to society. It’s a privilege to be able to recognise them, and I hope our students will be inspired by the impact these individuals have had in their fields as they embark on their next steps after graduating.”