Almost 2,800 students are to embark upon a next chapter in their lives as they graduate from the University of Chester this week (November 4-7).
During 11 ceremonies taking place across four days, graduands from the University of Chester Business School and Faculties of Arts and Media, Education and Children’s Services, Health and Social Care, Humanities, Life Sciences, and Social Science will receive their degrees at Chester Cathedral.
Conferring their degrees will be the institution’s Chancellor His Grace the Duke of Westminster, KG, CB, CVO, OBE, TD, CD, DL and vice-chancellor Professor Tim Wheeler.
Professor Wheeler said: “One of the great joys of being a university vice-chancellor is presiding over graduation ceremonies and being able to share this wonderful day with our graduands and celebrate their success alongside their proud families and friends.”
Joining and celebrating alongside the students on this special day are 13 esteemed individuals who will be awarded honorary degrees in recognition of undertaking outstanding work in their respective fields.
Professor Wheeler added: “I am equally delighted to be able to present honorary degrees to a selection of remarkable individuals and welcome them to be a part of the University of Chester, particularly in this our 175th anniversary year.”
Tuesday, November 4
- 9.30am – Major Phil Packer MBE: Made a Master of Arts in recognition for the role of Provost in the British Army and outstanding and inspirational charitable activities
- 11.45am – Brian Cosgrove: Made a Doctor of Letters, in recognition of outstanding contribution to the arts, in particular sculpture and film production
- 3pm – Esther Rantzen: Made a Doctor of Letters for contribution to media via journalism, TV production and presenting, also charity work and founding of Childline
Wednesday, November 5
- 9.30am – Robert McAlpine: Made a Doctor of Engineering for outstanding contribution to the British construction industry
- 11.45am – Dame Patricia Bacon: Made a Doctor of Letters for outstanding contribution to education and to the further education sector
- 3pm – Professor Michael Hoey: Made a Doctor of Letters for outstanding contribution to the University of Chester during his time as a member of the University Council
Thursday, November 6
- 10.30am – Professor Alan Emery: Made a Doctor of Science for outstanding contribution to neuromuscular science and his role as Chief Scientific Advisor for the European Neuromuscular Centre; Yvan Besnard: Made a Master of Arts in recognition of outstanding contribution to the City of Chester and County of Cheshire through his work as Honorary Consul for France.
- 2.30pm – John Newton-Jones: Made a Doctor of Business Administration in recognition of outstanding contribution to the business and entre-preneurship in this country; Andrew Miller MP: Made a Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding contribution to public service
Friday, November 7
- 9.30am – Penny Hughes CBE: Made a Master of Business Administration in recognition of outstanding contribution to business, medial and entrepreneurship in this country
- 11.45am – Gyles Brandreth: Made a Doctor of Letters in recognition of outstanding contribution to the arts and former role as MP of Chester
- 3pm – Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE: Made a Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding and inspirational contribution to the field of exploration
If you are graduating from the University of Chester, send us a photograph of you and your friends or family at the ceremony:
