BNU celebrates over 2000 graduates in July 2025 ceremonies
Buckinghamshire New University held its annual graduation ceremonies in High Wycombe last week with over 2000 graduates receiving their awards in front of their families, friends and loved ones.
18 ceremonies across five days were hosted at the Wycombe Swan Theatre and at BNU’s High Wycombe campus where graduates and guests were welcomed for pictures and celebrations in the Atrium, Beeches Café, and the Winter Garden.
Students donned the traditional BNU colours of red and grey gowns and black mortarboards, and were honoured from various subjects, including art and design, business and law, nursing and midwifery, aviation and security, psychology, and creative and digital industries. As part of the ceremonies, seven students were chosen as Valedictorians for their School, their selection based on their exceptional work ethic, academic excellence, and strong leadership. Each Valedictorian was invited to the stage to share an inspirational speech with their fellow graduands on their educational journeys. You can read more about our Valedictorians for 2025 in this news article.
Speaking at his first graduation ceremony as Vice-Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, Professor Damien Page said:
“Buckinghamshire New University is no ordinary institution. We are a community built on creativity, resilience, and a bold spirit of innovation. Whatever you studied with us, you’ve been part of a university that doesn’t just prepare students for the world—it encourages them to shape it.
“At BNU, we believe that education should never be a privilege reserved for the few. It should be a right, an opportunity, a door that opens regardless of postcode, background or circumstance. And today, as I look out at this sea of graduates, I see living proof of that belief.
“As you leave this campus and step into your next chapter, remember this: you are not just graduates. You are ambassadors of Buckinghamshire New University who will go out not to learn the ropes but to create new ropes. Not to accept but to challenge. Not to follow but to lead. Stay curious. Stay compassionate. Stay daring. And never stop learning.”
Maggie Galliers CBE, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University’s Council, added:
“I’m delighted to offer our graduands huge congratulations. Today is a day you’ll remember all your lives and is certainly one to celebrate and to savour. It also marks a transition and a life change. Transitions, whether they are happy or sad ones, are always a bit of a rollercoaster. You may be thinking about what you’re leaving behind, worried, or hopefully excited about what comes next. Whatever you may be feeling, today marks a turning point and an opportunity. It is one that I hope you will grasp with both hands.”
Also in this year’s graduation celebrations, the University awarded five inspirational people with an honorary doctorate degree (Honorary Doctor), in recognition of their significant contributions to their professional fields.
Recipients included:
Joe Jacobson, celebrated professional footballer, a principled ambassador for inclusion, and a valued friend of the University,
Karen Bonner, Regional Chief Nurse for London, Karen leads with distinction in our own region, serving the very communities that Buckinghamshire New University exists to uplift and support,
Derek Redmond: World-renowned retired British athlete, born in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire. Derek has gone on to develop a career as a globally recognised motivational speaker focusing on inclusion, mental resilience, motivation, and building high performing teams,
Dhanny Joshi, Dhanny graduated from BNU in 2006 with a BA in Music Industry Management and Marketing. Since then, his career has been characterised by creative entrepreneurship, cultural impact, and a deep commitment to positive social change,
Rachael Shimmin, Distinguished public servant, sector leader, and passionate advocate for inclusive opportunity. Over the course of more than three decades, Rachael has shaped and delivered social change across local government, voluntary and community services, health, and education, both within Buckinghamshire and across the UK,
Sultana Siddiqui, A pioneering media entrepreneur, award-winning creative director, cultural ambassador, and champion of women’s empowerment. Sultana’s career—spanning nearly five decades - exemplifies bold vision, innovative leadership, and profound social impact.
Congratulations again to all our July 2025 graduates!
