UWE Bristol’s Graduation ceremonies get underway at new venue

The first graduates will cross the stage at the new home for UWE Bristol’s Graduation ceremonies, the Bristol Beacon, from today (Monday 15 July).

The summer Graduation ceremonies will be held over the next two weeks until Thursday 25 July, celebrating students across the University’s three Colleges in both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Following a new partnership between UWE Bristol and the Bristol Beacon, which will offer students greater opportunities to access creative and cultural experiences, the music venue will host almost 6000 graduates, their friends and families over the next two weeks.

On Thursday 18 July, Sir Peter Bazalgette, a leading figure in the UK’s creative industries, will be officially installed as UWE Bristol’s new Chancellor. Sir Peter will succeed Sir Ian Carruthers OBE, who has served as UWE Bristol’s Chancellor for 13 years.

UWE Bristol has also announced the nine individuals who will be receiving Honorary Degrees during the summer Graduation ceremonies. The recipients are being recognised for outstanding achievements in their chosen fields and their significant contribution to Bristol. They are:

Amber Reed, professional rugby player and ambassador of mental health organisation Looseheadz - Honorary Master of Science in recognition of her service to mental health in sport, using rugby as a platform to start the conversation and tackle the stigma around mental health issues.

Clare Reddington, CEO of the Watershed - Honorary Doctor of Art in recognition of her leadership in the cultural sector and her contributions to Bristol’s creative ecology.

Guy Bailey OBE, civil rights activist instrumental in the Bristol Bus Boycott – Honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of his outstanding contributions to race equality, creating communities and supporting underserved communities.

Jezz Wright, founder and channel director of Wayout TV, aiming to help prisoners with rehabilitation – Honorary Master of Education in recognition of his commitment to widening participation in education among marginalised groups in society.

Levi Roots, businessman and chef – Honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of his commitment to future generations and his service to the city of Bristol.

Louise Mitchell, CEO of Bristol Beacon – Honorary Doctor of Arts in recognition of her contribution to national and international cultural leadership and her dedication to voluntary roles.

Robert Channon, engineer – Honorary Doctor of Engineering in recognition of his pioneering work which changed the administration of insulin and vastly improved the lives of those with type 1 diabetes.

Rosa Hui, CEO of Chinese Community Wellbeing Society and Chair of the Bristol Chinese, Caribbean, south Asian and African Dementia Research Group – Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition for her outstanding contribution to improving the wellbeing of the Chinese communities in Bristol and across the UK.

The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol – Honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of her service to faith communities in Bristol and further afield, and for pioneering work within the church promoting roles for women.

Vice-Chancellor of UWE Bristol, Professor Sir Steve West said: “The individuals receiving Honorary Degrees from UWE Bristol this year have made a significant impact on the lives of others both in Bristol and beyond. This will no doubt come as a great source of inspiration for our graduating students as they embark on the next stage of their lives.

“Congratulations to all of our students graduating over the next two weeks, they should be extremely proud of their achievements and I hope they have a fantastic time at Graduation along with their family and friends.”