Southampton's Guildhall Square will become the centre of celebrations for thousands of University of Southampton graduates from today.
The university is hosting a total of 16 graduation ceremonies in the O2 Guildhall and one in Winchester Cathedral for Winchester School of Art graduates.
More than 4,300 students will be awarded their hard-earned undergraduate degrees, masters degrees and postgraduate qualifications.
Ceremonies will take place from Wednesday 15 July to Wednesday 22 July, with Winchester's ceremony on Monday 20 July.
Professor Phillip Wright, Acting President and Vice-Chancellor, said: "Graduation is the proudest season for us as a university, as we celebrate and congratulate all our students on their fantastic achievements. It is a well-deserved chance to recognise the hard work, dedication, talent and tenacity of all graduating students. It is also an opportunity for us to thank and celebrate our committed and dedicated staff who have taught, guided and supported our students throughout their time here in Southampton."
The University of Southampton is awarding a series of honorary degrees and fellowships at this summer's celebrations, recognising those whose contributions and achievements are an inspiration, and whose expertise is valued nationally and globally.
The honorary graduates are:
- Rosamund Adoo Kissi-Debrah , awarded a Doctor of Science. Rosamund is director and trustee of the Ella Roberta Foundation, set up in memory of her daughter who died aged nine from an asthma attack. Rosamund campaigned for years for the role of air pollution to be recognised in her daughter's death.
- Sir Robert Chote , awarded a Doctor of Science. Robert is President of Trinity College Oxford. He is an expert on economic policy and former Economics Editor at the Financial Times.
- Professor Sir John Iredale , awarded a Doctor of Science. John is Pro Vice Chancellor Health at the University of Bristol, and a University of Southampton alumnus.
- Claire Viney , awarded a Fellowship. Claire is CEO of the Careers Research and Advisory Centre, Chair of the cross-sector Career Development Policy Group, and Chair of the External Advisory Board for the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Southampton.
- Dr Alan Whitehead , awarded a Doctor of Laws. Alan is shadow minister for energy and climate change.
Four Outstanding Alumni Awards will also be presented. They are:
- Rising Star, awarded to Ben Parker and Dom Maskell , co-founders of running coaching app Runna. The app has grown into a global fitness platform, employing more than 200 people and supporting millions of runners. Ben is leading a social-paced 5km run from Highfield Campus on Tuesday 21 July at 1.45pm, with everyone who takes part receiving a free two-week trial of Runna. Register via Eventbrite to take part.
- Lifetime Achievement, awarded to Professor Dame Jane Francis , palaeoclimatologist and first female director of the British Antarctic Survey. Her research on fossil plants and ancient climates has transformed understanding of environmental change in the polar regions.
- Civic Award, awarded to Ben Dowling , co-founder of the social enterprise Unloc, which partners with schools, universities, businesses and public sector organisations to develop leadership, entrepreneurship, youth voice and employability skills among young people. Since 2013, Unloc has supported more than 130,000 young people and provided more than £150,000 in micro-grants to support business launches and community projects.
- Alumni Service Award, awarded to Chris Bound , a lawyer in Guernsey who has supported the University of Southampton with growth in the Channel Islands. Chris had a 30-year career at Collas Crill, as senior partner and becoming widely known for his expertise in commercial property and offshore law. He has strengthened the university's profile by raising awareness of philanthropy, alumni engagement and international advocacy.
