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More than 2,000 students have become graduates of the University of Winchester following a series of stirring and inspirational ceremonies held at the city’s cathedral.
Many of the Class of 24 were congratulated by the University’s new Chancellor, comedian and actor Hugh Dennis.
The star of Outnumbered and Mock the Week, who was installed in the honorary post in June, presided over his first graduation ceremonies on Thursday and Friday.
Resplendent in purple hat and gown, he told graduation guests: “I feel as self-conscious as you do in your academic robes.”
Hugh said that his job as a chancellor was “a completely joyful one” to be conducted in the “ridiculously beautiful” surroundings of Winchester Cathedral.
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Chancellor Hugh Dennis makes his debut at the cathedral lectern
He joked that the University would have given graduates a love of learning and an ability to climb steep hills.
Hugh said that many of them would have had moments when they thought completing their degree would be impossible but “…despite that you are here. Step by step, challenge by challenge, you’ve done it and we couldn’t be prouder of you all.”
He concluded: “You can be agents of change. Each of you has a voice and the potential to use that voice for good. I hope you find the courage to do that in the way your fellow Winchester students have done for almost 200 years.”
Hugh was not the only famous face from TV to appear at graduation.
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Roman Kemp with Vice-Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer
Honorary Doctorates were awarded to One Show presenter Roman Kemp and BBC sports presenter JJ Chalmers.
Popular TV and radio personality Roman has become an advocate for mental health issues since the suicide of a close friend and has made highly-acclaimed TV documentaries on the subject.
He told his audience that happiness was not about chasing success and that it was different for everyone. “Buying your dream house or car might be your idea of happiness but it could be maintaining the friendships you have made here or being a good sister or brother.
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JJ Chalmers flanked by Dr Kathy Gower, Dean of the Faculty of Education and the Arts and Dr Steve Ryall, Senior Lecturer in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health
“Once you understand what your idea of happiness is, your happiness will improve tenfold.”
JJ, who trained as a teacher and served as a Royal Marine suffered serious injuries on active duty in Afghanistan. Since then, he has become a medal-winning Invictus Games athlete and carved out a successful career in broadcasting, presenting coverage of both the Paris Olympics and Paralympics for the BBC, as well as tripping his way to the quarter finals of Strictly Come Dancing.
Speaking of the ‘journey’ that the graduates were about to embark upon, JJ said: “The destination will change, and will probably get lost, but keep soldiering on. Do what you like and like what you do. And do it with a smile on your face.”
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Renowned record producer Giles Martin, Honororay Doctor of Music
Another famous name honoured during graduation week, was record producer Giles Martin (son of George who produced all The Beatles’ records) who was given an Honorary Doctorate of Music.
“This is a massive honour and it’s my first music qualification,” said Giles. “I didn’t even take music GCE. You are all far more qualified than me!”
A highly successful, award-winning producer in his own right, Giles explained that he’d come to his career against his father’s wishes, becoming George’s ‘ears’ when his hearing began to deteriorate.
He urged graduates to: “Follow your passion and don’t be afraid to fail – that’s part of the journey.”
Honorary Doctorates were also awarded to:
Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent OBE, the first Chief Midwife for the International Confederation of Midwives who also S served for four years as the first Chief Midwifery Officer for the NHS in England.
The Rev Canon Professor Liz Stuart MBE, the University’s Professor of Christian Theology, who also served as Vice Chancellor from 2021-22, received an Honorary Doctorate for her work developing Queer Theology and campaigning for the full inclusion of LGBTQI+ people in the Church.
Honorary Fellowships were awarded to:
Shamsa Sharawe, a leading advocate for survivors of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and honour-based violence
Emily Ball, Leadership Coach, best-selling author, and founder of Active Step Healthcare Ltd and Leading Practice Ltd.
Mandy Hickson, the first woman to fly a RAF Tornado jet in combat who is now a successful author and inspirational speaker.
Maggie and William Carver, both successful businesspeople - Maggie has served on the board of 18 public, private and not-for-profit companies and William runs how own firm Carvercare and Mobility – the couple founded The Licoricia of Winchester project to promote the city’s Jewish heritage.
A posthumous Fellowship was bestowed upon Dr David Percy a respected GP who became a Visiting Fellow at the University of Winchester and co-led the creation of its Centre for Global Health.
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More than 8,000 guests attended the 11 ceremonies plus thousands more, from all over the world, watched the events as they were live-streamed.
The events also marked the first official duties of the University’s three new Pro Chancellors, Mohamed Bakhaty, Maggie Carver and Alistair Bruce.
Vice Chancellor Professor Sarah Greer said: "These graduation ceremonies were a joyous and inspirational send-off for our Class of 24 who I am sure are destined to make a big impact on the world. Our honorary recipients all made memorable contributions as did our new Pro Chancellors. It was also a pleasure to see our new Chancellor Hugh Dennis adding his humour and wise words to the occasion.”
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Capturing the moment...one graduate grabs a selfie with the VC