BNU graduates and famous honoraries celebrate at 2024 ceremonies

Buckinghamshire New University held its annual graduation ceremonies in High Wycombe last week with over a thousand new graduates receiving their awards in front of their families and friends.

Five ceremonies across three 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 and Winter Garden.

Graduating signalled the end of a journey for many students who started university during or in the aftermath of the pandemic and who navigated the cost-of-living crisis, which the University supported with its award-winning student support package.

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, health and social care, nursing and midwifery, aviation, psychology and creative and digital industries.

‘Making a difference’

Speaking at the ceremonies, Professor Nick Braisby, Vice-Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, offered inspiration for this year’s graduates: “I offer you my most sincere and heartfelt congratulations on your achievements. Your achievements, which we publicly celebrate today, are inspiring to us all, and I hope you will go forward with a deep sense of optimism that the challenges you will face in the future can indeed be tackled and overcome.

“Your success has also depended on the support of your friends, family, and loved ones,” Professor Braisby added.

Maggie Galliers CBE, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University’s Council, went on: “Graduation is a turning point for all our graduates who have worked so hard and juggled so much. Our graduates are resilient, hard-working, critical thinkers and have a passion for learning. They them go on to make a positive impact in the world, and we will take a close interest in what happens to them next, and how they are making a difference, whether it be in their work, with their families and local communities or in wider society.”

Honoraries embody BNU’s values

Buckinghamshire New University has bestowed the award of honorary doctorate degree (Honorary Doctor) on four people who have made significant contributions to their professional fields and to equity, diversity and inclusion, reflecting both the University’s academic expertise and its values.

(L-R, Maggie Galliers CBE, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the University’s Council, June Sarpong OBE, Dame Amanda Blanc and Professor Nick Braisby, Vice-Chancellor)

On Monday, broadcaster and former Director, Creative Diversity, at the BBC, June Sarpong OBE, became an honorary doctor for her 25-year media career and transformational work on diversity and inclusion.

In recent years, June became the first Black woman to sit on the BBC’s Executive Committee and led its Diversity and Inclusion strategy and implementation across the BBC’s 500 million+ global audience.

Speaking at the ceremony, June said: said: “I’m incredibly grateful to receive this honorary doctorate from BNU and am thrilled to be here today to accept it.  

“It is an honour to receive this recognition from an institution with such a solid focus on diversity and inclusion. BNU and I share a vision for a more inclusive future for organisations and society, and I look forward to seeing how our new relationship can support our work and effect change.”  

Continuing this year’s women in leadership theme and building on last year’s all-female line-up, Dame Amanda Blanc, Group CEO of Aviva plc, was awarded an honorary doctorate for her transformative impact in the insurance and financial services industry.

She was recognised by BNU for her outstanding leadership which is characterised by a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and diversity in the workplace, as well as honouring Amanda as one of the most vocal supporters for diversity in boardrooms following her three decades’ experience in the insurance sector.

Dame Amanda Blanc said: “BNU is a place where innovation is nurtured, a place where high quality research is valued, a place where student satisfaction is of paramount importance and a place where opportunity and inclusivity is built into the fabric of the University. Above all it is a creative place that builds, grows and develops graduates who then go out and put the joy into life.” 

‘Most gratifying’ award

CEO of High Wycombe-headquartered business, Focusrite, Phil Dudderidge OBE was awarded for his thriving career in the audio industry, which has included touring as a sound engineer for Led Zeppelin and for founding two successful businesses.

On receipt of the award, Phil said: “I am delighted to receive an Honorary Doctorate from Buckinghamshire New University. Focusrite has been involved with the University since the first music studios were built in the old campus and I very much value the relationship we have enjoyed over the years.

“To have my life’s work recognised by BNU with an honorary doctorate is most gratifying, especially as I didn’t have the privilege of a University education. My thanks to the Vice-Chancellor and University for the honour.” 

Eminent TV broadcaster, Tim Marshall OBE, was the fourth recipient of an honorary doctorate at this year’s graduation ceremonies and was recognised for his media career, charitable work and contribution to the education sector.

As a broadcaster, Tim has held the roles of studio manager at BBC Radio, Head of BBC TV Outside Broadcast Events and Entertainments, and Vice-President at Walt Disney, responsible for Global Branded TV Production. Tim has received a BAFTA and Royal Television Society award in recognition for his productions and commitment to the industry.

As well as his media achievements, Tim has been a long-standing active and engaged supporter of BNU, serving on the University Council for eight years including a period as chair of the Finance Committee.

Tim said: “Buckinghamshire New University has always been close to my heart; its broad and inclusive outlook aligns closely with my own journey. I am truly thrilled to receive this honour, something I will treasure greatly.”

Professor Nick Braisby, Vice-Chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, said: “We are proud to be a university with widening participation at its core, where our ethos is to make education accessible for everyone. We provide our graduates with the skills, experience and networks they’ll need for the professional world, and association with inspirational people like our honoraries reminds our students that they all have the power to create positive change in the industries they choose.”