Winter Graduation 2025
This January, we’ve enjoyed celebrating the achievements of thousands of graduates and graduands on campus. It’s been a pleasure to welcome and celebrate both new and returning members of the alumni community.
Warwick appoints former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Advocate and alumna, Bience Gawanas as new Chancellor
Our 2024 Winter Graduation Alumni Speakers
Jon Hendry Pickup
CEO of Butlins (MBA, 2003)
"You don’t need to have your life mapped out, you just need to make the most of it."
Eszter Haberl
Sustainability Director, Tenneco (MSc Marketing and Strategy, 2010)
“In the years ahead, when doubt or challenges arise, remember this sense of accomplishment. It’s proof of your ability to overcome, to thrive, and to achieve even greater things.”
Allison Ogden-Newton OBE
CEO, Keep Britain Tidy (BA History and Sociology, 1986; MA Industrial Relations, 1987)
“If you care about what you do, you will enjoy it, even if it terrifies you. And you won’t be wasting your time.”
Dr Andy Palmer CMG
Chairman, PodPoint (MSc Manufacturing Systems Engineering, 1990)
"From AI and quantum computing to self-driving cars and robotics. The world is changing before our eyes and you, thanks to the University of Warwick, are among the best equipped in the world to shape the future in your own vision."
Dr Paul Faithfull
(MSc/EngD Engineering (UK), 1997) Chairman, Watt Electric Vehicles
“I hope today as you finish one chapter of your Warwick life you look forward to the next chapter with excitement, I encourage you to be brave in your choices, be open to change to realise your dreams, maintain your links made during your time here at Warwick and take confidence in the foundations laid.”
Jim Shaw
Chief Experience Officer, bloom³ (MSc Engineering Business Management, 1996)
“…in my experience be open to new things, be part of the change, growth occurs when you aren’t in your comfort zone, the best lessons come from hardship and failure, do not be scared to be bold, success is well earned and to be savoured.”
Dr Orlando Machado
Chief Data Officer, LEGO Group (BSc MORSE, 1993; PhD Statistics, 1997)
"Legend has it that – in the very first Statistics lecture – Jeff flipped a coin to demonstrate probability, saying, 'There’s a 50% chance of heads and a 50% chance of tails.' The coin promptly landed on its edge."
Rumbie Matambo
Senior Lecturer in Law, The University of Law (MA Educational Leadership and Management, 2017)
"Lost time is a currency you cannot recover. So set your course and stay the course."
Catherine Joy White
Actor, Author, Filmmaker, Gender Equality Expert & CEO of Kusini Productions (BA English and French, 2015)
“Find your joy, seek out opportunities. Do not be afraid to stray from the most trodden path. This incredible institution and the room full of brilliant minds sat next to you today have equipped you with everything that you need. Nothing is beyond your reach. You are ready.”
Our 2024 Winter Graduation Honorary Graduates
Clive Stannard, BA, Hon DLitt
Clive Stannard has had a distinguished career, contributing significantly to global food security and interdisciplinary scholarship. At the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation, he specialised in plant genetic resources, playing a vital role in safeguarding biodiversity and addressing climate change.
Anthony Kelly, Hon DSc
Anthony Kelly, a retired probation officer, has dedicated himself to improving health outcomes in Caribbean and Black African communities, particularly focusing on type 2 diabetes. Drawing from his own 20-year journey with the condition and his Jamaican heritage, he has become a trusted patient expert and advocate.