Graduation 2022 enables thousands to celebrate achievements

More than 6,000 graduates joined academics, family and friends to celebrate their achievements during the University of Plymouth’s Graduation Week

More than 6,000 graduates joined academics, family and friends to celebrate their achievements during the University of Plymouth’s Graduation Week.

During five days of ceremonies, graduates from across the University marked the completion of their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. That included those who finished their studies earlier this summer, but also hundreds who graduated in 2020 but had not previously been able to have an in-person graduation experience.

They were also joined by notable figures from the world of business, science and the local community who were awarded honorary degrees and fellowships.

This year’s Graduation Week included a Civic Dinner in The Box, where University officials were joined by the honorary doctorates as well as partners from the community and industry. More than 200 people also attended an alumni reunion in the Graduation Marquee, which brought together students from across the decades for an evening of reminiscing and entertainment.

Professor Judith Petts CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, said:

“Our graduation ceremonies are always a highlight of the university calendar. They provide an opportunity for graduates to celebrate their achievements with the friends, family and university staff who have been instrumental to their success.

"The week also gives us the opportunity to acknowledge our honorary doctorates and, this year, to reunite with alumni from across our proud history. I hope their stories will serve as an inspiration, not only to our new graduates but also to current and future students.”

Interviews with some of our graduates will be posted on our YouTube channel

Reminiscing with alumni from across the decades

The honorary degrees and fellowships awarded in 2022 were:

Vice Admiral Andrew Burns CB OBE – Honorary Doctorate of Science for his outstanding contribution to the Royal Navy and Maritime Research;
Paul Fletcher FBCS – Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding contribution to computing and work to protect public services from cyber threat in the UK and internationally;
Professor Anthony Gachanja BSc, MSc, PhD, FRSC – Honorary Doctorate of Science for his outstanding contribution to science, especially analytical chemistry, in Africa;
Lindsey Hall – Honorary Fellowship, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to social justice through the Real Ideas Organisation;

Dame Shan Morgan, DCMG – Honorary Doctorate of Business for her outstanding contribution to national and international business;
Commodore Ian Shipperley CBE FIMechE – Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Royal Navy and Plymouth;
Sir Henry Studholme Bt, DL, MA(Cantab), FCA, CTA – Honorary Doctorate of Science in recognition of his ongoing commitment to the environment and rural affairs;
Dato’Seri Dr Michael Tio – Honorary Doctorate of Business for his outstanding contribution to national and international business, and particularly to the logistics industry in Malaysia.