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The University of Winchester’s Class of 2025 heard inspiring stories and wise words of advice across a series of 11 graduation ceremonies at Winchester Cathedral.
Over a period of four days more than 2,000 students received their graduation certificates and the heartfelt congratulations of family, friends and University staff.
Comedian and actor, Hugh Dennis, the University’s Chancellor, attended the last two graduation ceremonies to welcome students. This role was taken by Pro-Chancellors, Mohamed Bakhaty, Alistair Bruce and Marggie Carver at the ceremonies earlier in the week.
Notable figures from the field of broadcasting, healthcare, literature, education and justice were recognised with honorary doctorates and fellowships.
Winchester-born TV presenter and author Katie Piper, who made her name after courageously overcoming a disfiguring acid attack, told her audience that her career had been beset by challenges but that: “….it’s OK to be a work in progress. It’s OK to begin again many times over. Our scars become our greatest teachers.”
Listen to what Katie had to say after the ceremony here http://bit.ly/3JiMDe2
David Nicholls, the best-selling author, who grew up in Eastleigh, began his working life as an actor before turning to writing. He recalled his graduation day and a feeling of being “unprepared”.
“I didn’t find out what I wanted to do until many years after graduation. Some journeys take time,” he said.
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Author David Nicholls and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer
He then echoed the word of Emma, one of the two leading characters in his novel One Day, who when pondering her future post-university tells herself: “Stay true to your principles, live passionately and fully and well. Experience new things, love and be loved if at all possible. Eat sensibly. Stuff like that.”
Many of those gathered at the Cathedral were about to embark on careers in Nursing and they were joined by England’s former Chief Nursing Officer, Professor Dame Jane Cummings, who received an honorary doctorate.
She was introduced by Dr Rachel Locke, Head of the University’s School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Care, who explained that Dame Jane had made a lasting impact on the profession by drawing up the ‘6 C’s of nursing’ (Care, Compassion, Competence, Communication, Courage and Commitment) as core values of the NHS and the nursing curriculum.
Dame Jane urged graduates to: “Hold onto your values. Put those you care for and the people you work with at the centre of everything you do. Keep your curiosity alive and be open to new ideas….nursing and midwifery will continue to evolve and you are the future.”
England’s former Chief Nursing Officer, Professor Dame Jane Cummings received her honorary doctorate from Pro-Chancellor Alistair Ball
Dame Jane said that she was accepting the doctorate “as a tribute all who work in nursing, midwifery and healthcare. They change lives and make the world a better place.”
Another major figure in the field of healthcare to receive an honorary doctorate was Dr Liz O’Riordan, a respected consultant breast surgeon who, through social media, has done much to raise awareness of breast cancer since being diagnosed with the condition herself in 2017 and undergoing a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Already a doctor twice over (medical and PhD) Liz explained that her Winchester doctorate, for her work post cancer, was more important to her as: “…it came from choices that I never wanted to make and from dealing with things that were out of my control”.
Honorary Doctor, Dr Liz O’Riordan (above right) with the Dean of the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing Elizabeth Davies-Ward
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Honorary Doctor Rev’d Steve Chalke founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust
After receiving his Honorary Doctorate, Rev’d Steve Chalke founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust of schools, churches, and community hubs reminded graduates that they had been given a great chance to help others.
He said: “I learned long ago that every acorn that falls from tree has the potential to become a mighty oak – but it can only achieve its God-given potential if it falls into deep, rich, nutritious, well aerated soil. You with your skills and qualifications have the gift of being able to offer the acorn that falls into the ground the chance of fulfilling its potential.”
Adventurer and cast member of Channel 4’s Hunted Jordan Wylie, who received an honorary fellowship at ceremony where many Primary Education graduates were present, said that teachers had a great responsibility and opportunity to be role models.
He urged them to: “Be the difference that makes the difference.”
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Adventurer and cast member of Channel 4’s Hunted Jordan Wylie (second from right) with Pro-Chancellor Alistair Ball, Pro-Vice Chancellor Matt Webster and Vice-Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer
Jon Audain was certainly a teacher who made a difference.
Jon who died last years, received a posthumous Fellowship from the University. Dr Laura Clarke, Director of the Institute of Education at the University, paid a moving tribute to Jon, an innovative teacher of computing who was a Co-Programme Leader for the University’s PGCE Primary ITE (Initial Teacher Education) course.
“Jon had a rare gift for helping others see their potential,” said Dr Clarke. “Many students and colleagues owe their research and academic success to his support.”
Jon’s widow Omega attended the ceremony to accept the award.
Other recipients of Honorary Fellowships were:
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Chancellor Hugh Dennis with Honorary Fellow Vanessa Amberleigh
Each ceremony closed with an address by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sarah Greer, who told the new graduates to: “You can be confident that you are well equipped to navigate life’s journey. You all have a great deal to offer to the world.”
“I ask that you take all you have learned into the world and uphold the values of scholarship, compassion and courage and I hope the love of learning you developed here at Winchester stays with you enriches the whole of your lives.”
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Founders of Winchester Books Festival and now Honorary Fellows Sian Serles and Sophie Liardet
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Honorary Fellow Lizzie Dunford, the Director of Jane Austen's House in Chawton, with Dr Christina Welch Reader in Theology, Religion & Philosophy
Honorary Fellow Judge Angela Morris, the Recorder of Winchester (centre) flanked by Pro Chancellor Mohamed Bakhaty Vice-Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer