Warwick Celebrates - On the Day (PM)
Please be aware: Doors to Butterworth Hall will close promptly at 2.30pm for graduands and guests.
Welcome to Warwick Celebrates!
Schedule of Activity for Graduations taking place in the afternoon
On Arrival - Ticket and Robe collection
On arrival, head to the Studio Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre for ticket and robe collection (access for graduands only).
Here, graduands will collect:
- Their graduand ticket. Please keep this with you at all times. This has your seat number for the ceremony
- Guest tickets, including any extra tickets you have paid for. These should be passed to guests as graduands and guests will be entering through different doors
Once robed, you should also:
- Check that you are wearing the correct hoodLink opens in a new window
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Store any luggage/coats in the Arts Centre cloakroom (subject to capacity)
Before the Ceremony - What to do
- Read through the following information, and keep an eye on the time - graduands and guests must be seated by 2.30pm
- Find out about the benefits and opportunities available to you as a Warwick graduate by visiting our alumni stand in the Arts Centre foyer or Piazza
- Have your pre-booked professional photos (Ede and Ravenscroft) taken in the Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre
- Visit our graduation shop outside the Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre
- Go to the bathroom! Once you're seated in the Butterworth Hall, you cannot leave until our final seating checks are complete
- Share the link to the live stream with friends and family
From 1.30pm
- Guests with Butterworth Hall tickets should make their way to the ground floor Butterworth Hall doors and guests with Cinema tickets upstairs to Cinema 1
- Guests with pre-booked accessible seating have seats reserved for them in the Hall and do not need to queue
- Graduands should get ready to enter the Butterworth Hall. Graduands enter via Door 1 on the first floor of Warwick Arts Centre from approx. 1.45pm. Graduands with accessibility requirements should enter via the ground floor Butterworth Hall doors. The porters on the door will be able to assist you
- Graduands should find and take the designated seat. Graduand seats will have a card with your name on it
- Guests will be directed to a seat by Warwick Arts Centre stewards. Please take your seats promptly and do not leave any gaps
Doors to Ceremony close 2.30pm
Once in the Butterworth Hall:
- From 2.30-3pm, graduands should ensure they are sat in their allocated seats. This is when we will be doing our final seating checks. It is very important that you are sat in your allocated seat. If you move seats, your name will be crossed off and you will not be allowed to cross the stage.
- Please put your mobile phone on silent, but keep it on to take photos
- Staff will indicate when it is time for graduands to stand to cross the stage. After crossing the stage and collecting your certificate you will return to the same seat
Order of Proceedings
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
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Welcome & Introduction | Piers Gibbon
Piers Gibbon is the host and Master of Ceremonies for our graduation ceremonies. He has the responsibility for reading out every name and ensuring that everyone has a memorable day. Piers is a speech writer, a television presenter (Headshrinkers of the Amazon, A Taste of History, The Witch Doctor Will See You Now) and the author of Tribes: Endangered Peoples Of The World.
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Address by the Presiding Officer | Professor Stuart Croft Vice-Chancellor & President
Professor Stuart Croft is the Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick and has been instrumental in leading the university's development since 2016, with a strategic focus on creating a better world together.
In addition to his role at the University of Warwick, Stuart serves as Chair of Universities West Midlands and has held several other leadership positions in academia. He has a background in International Security and has made significant contributions to publications and journals in the field.
In 2021, Stuart was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.
More information…[https://warwick.ac.uk/services/vco/vc/]
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Warwick Awards for Teaching Excellence | Tom Ritchie (Chemistry)
Tom Ritchie
“My teaching creates an 'educational ecosystem' where Chemistry students thrive through contextually-adapted, integrated curriculum experiences. Beyond Science and Innovation 101 address specific transitional challenges while cultivating research skills and professional confidence, yielding measurable improvements in outcomes. My teaching approach extends beyond Chemistry through IATL's AI Revolution module, integrating emotional, social, and ethical dimensions through 'Fill Up Your Cup,' industry podcasts linked to UN Sustainable Development Goals, and the We are Chemistry programme. Students are genuine partners – co-creating content, redesigning assessments, and leading innovations. This partnership model has transformed student engagement, reduced awarding gaps, and empowered students across disciplinary boundaries.”
FIRST PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND MEDICINE
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Alumni Speaker | Professor Paul Monks CB
Professor Paul Monks CB is currently the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). As CSA, he delivers independent and impartial science and engineering advice to Ministers and policy makers across the department’s policy and delivery portfolio and the Clean Energy Superpower Mission. Paul also works closely with the Government CSA, the cross-government network of departmental CSAs, and the DESNZ Chief Analyst, to strengthen the links within and across departments, encouraging effective engagement and knowledge sharing, and to support delivery of a robust evidence base to underpin policy decisions. Prior to joining the department, Paul was Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Leicester, where he remains a Professor in Atmospheric Chemistry and Earth Observation Science. Paul was awarded the Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the King's New Year Honours 2025 for Services to Science in Government. Paul did his undergraduate degree in chemistry at Warwick before going to Oxford for his D.Phil.
Primary Position: Chief Scientific Advisor, HMG-DESNZ
Graduation details: BSc Chemistry, 1988
Social mediLink opens in a new windowa: Film Link 1Link opens in a new window: Film Link 2:Link opens in a new window Web Link 1Link opens in a new window: Web Link 2Link opens in a new window
SECOND PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND MEDICINE
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The National Anthem | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir and ARC Brass Quintet
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
Order of Proceedings
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
-
Welcome & Introduction | Piers Gibbon
Piers Gibbon is the host and Master of Ceremonies for our graduation ceremonies. He has the responsibility for reading out every name and ensuring that everyone has a memorable day. Piers is a speech writer, a television presenter (Headshrinkers of the Amazon, A Taste of History, The Witch Doctor Will See You Now) and the author of Tribes: Endangered Peoples Of The World.
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Address by the Presiding Officer | Professor Stuart Croft Vice-Chancellor & President
Professor Stuart Croft is the Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick and has been instrumental in leading the university's development since 2016, with a strategic focus on creating a better world together.
In addition to his role at the University of Warwick, Stuart serves as Chair of Universities West Midlands and has held several other leadership positions in academia. He has a background in International Security and has made significant contributions to publications and journals in the field.
In 2021, Stuart was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.
More information…[https://warwick.ac.uk/services/vco/vc/]
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Address by the Presiding Officer | Professor Stuart Croft and Provost
FIRST PRESENTATION | GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF ARTS
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Alumni Speaker | Dominic Cooke CBE
Dominic Cooke is a multi-award-winning stage and screen director who has recently been appointed CEO and Artistic Director of North London’s Almeida Theatre. He takes up his post in 2026. His recent theatre work includes Mrs Warren’s Profession, Hello Dolly, Medea, Good (West End); The Normal Heart, and Follies (National Theatre). He was the Artistic Director and CEO of the Royal Court Theatre from 2007-2013. Under his leadership, the theatre was nominated for 210 major awards and won 59. He was Associate of the National Theatre from 2013-2025 and Associate Director of The Royal Shakespeare Company from 2002-2006. On screen, he has directed two features films The Courier and On Chesil Beach, as well as three episodes of The Hollow Crown for the BBC. He was appointed CBE in 2014 for Services to Drama.
SECOND PRESENTATION |GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF ARTS
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The National Anthem | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir and ARC Brass Quintet
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
Order of Proceedings
-
University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
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Welcome & Introduction | Piers Gibbon
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Address by the Presiding Officer | Professor Stuart Croft and Provost
Piers Gibbon is the host and Master of Ceremonies for our graduation ceremonies. He has the responsibility for reading out every name and ensuring that everyone has a memorable day. Piers is a speech writer, a television presenter (Headshrinkers of the Amazon, A Taste of History, The Witch Doctor Will See You Now) and the author of Tribes: Endangered Peoples Of The World.
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Address by the Presiding Officer | Professor Stuart Croft Vice-Chancellor & President
Professor Stuart Croft is the Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick and has been instrumental in leading the university's development since 2016, with a strategic focus on creating a better world together.
In addition to his role at the University of Warwick, Stuart serves as Chair of Universities West Midlands and has held several other leadership positions in academia. He has a background in International Security and has made significant contributions to publications and journals in the field.
In 2021, Stuart was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.
More information…[https://warwick.ac.uk/services/vco/vc/]
FIRST PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
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Outstanding Student Contribution Award | Sahil Chawla
The Outstanding Student Contribution Awards (OSCAs) recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Warwick's students. They not only excel academically, but also find the time to campaign for good causes, fundraise, start small business, and work with local charities.
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Outstanding Student Contribution Award | Raghav Verma
The Outstanding Student Contribution Awards (OSCAs) recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Warwick's students. They not only excel academically, but also find the time to campaign for good causes, fundraise, start small business, and work with local charities.
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Outstanding Student Contribution Award | Htet Myat Noe Oo
The Outstanding Student Contribution Awards (OSCAs) recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Warwick's students. They not only excel academically, but also find the time to campaign for good causes, fundraise, start small business, and work with local charities.
SECOND PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
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Alumni Speaker | Sami Dar
Sami Dar: After graduating from Warwick Business School, Sami spent two years in financial services, during which time he developed the 10,000 Able Interns programme, which provided internships to disabled students in the UK. He is a thought leader in the disability space andadvises organisations across a range of industries. Sami is the CEO of The ABL Foundation, which continues to provide opportunities to disabled students, and was named in the Top 100 Disabled People in the UK.
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The National Anthem | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir and ARC Brass Quintet
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
Order of Proceedings
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
-
Welcome & Introduction | Piers Gibbon
Piers Gibbon is the host and Master of Ceremonies for our graduation ceremonies. He has the responsibility for reading out every name and ensuring that everyone has a memorable day. Piers is a speech writer, a television presenter (Headshrinkers of the Amazon, A Taste of History, The Witch Doctor Will See You Now) and the author of Tribes: Endangered Peoples Of The World.
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Address by the Presiding Officer | Chancellor Bience Gawanas
Bience Gawanas - The Chancellor is the formal Head of the University, whose official duties are to confer degrees on behalf of the University. Beyond the formal and representational duties, the new Chancellor will play a key role in the University’s life by promoting the work and ambitions of the University in the UK and overseas. The Chancellor will also play an important role in the development and fundraising activities of the University.
Bience succeeds Baroness Catherine Ashton, who served as Chancellor since 2016. The University thanks Baroness Ashton for her years of dedicated service and her tireless advocacy for Warwick’s growth as a world-leading institution.
FIRST PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND MEDICINE
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Honorary Graduate | Colin Furze
Colin Furze trained as a plumber. Inventions include: 2008 – The world’s longest motorcycle (Guinness World Record) 2010 – Mobility scooter that could reach 71 mph (Guinness World Record) 2012 – Pram fitted with engine to become world’s fastest pram (Guinness World Record) 2015: – Underground bunker beneath his garden in Stamford 2016 – Hover-bike (Webby Award for video) 2017 – Dodgem fitted with motor cycle engine, making it world’s fastest bumper car 2017 – BMW with driveable spa, Jacuzzi, fake grass and working barbecue 2017 – Published This Book Isn’t Safe 2019 – Moving Landspeeder from Star Wars A New Hope2020 –Trebuchet capable of throwing a washing machine 2022 –Tunnel linking house and workshop ; Webby Award for The Tunnel Project videos, 2025 2023-25 – Underground garage project
YouTube channel: 13.2 million subscribers; over 1.8 billion views
TV appearances on UK and German TV, including More4’s Great British Inventions
SECOND PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND MEDICINE
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Alumni Speaker | Sarah-Jane Perry
Sarah-Jane Perry was a professional squash player on the PSA World Tour. She won a silver medal in the women’s doubles and bronze in the women’s singles at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, in addition to winning a silver medal at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. She has been Women’s President of the PSA Tour and Chair of the Athletes Commission since 2019. She was a part of the England team that won gold at the World Team Squash Championships in 2014, silver in 2016 and 2018, and bronze in 2022. She has been a British Open Finalist and achieved 11 tour titles – with a highest ranking of World number five. In May 2025, Sarah-Jane announced she would be retiring from Squash after the British Open in her hometown of Birmingham. Sarah-Jane's final match on 4 June 2025 was at the Rep theatre against eight-time world champion, Nour El Sherbini from Egypt.
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The National Anthem | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir and ARC Brass Quintet
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
Order of Proceedings
-
University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
-
Welcome & Introduction | Piers Gibbon
Piers Gibbon is the host and Master of Ceremonies for our graduation ceremonies. He has the responsibility for reading out every name and ensuring that everyone has a memorable day. Piers is a speech writer, a television presenter (Headshrinkers of the Amazon, A Taste of History, The Witch Doctor Will See You Now) and the author of Tribes: Endangered Peoples Of The World.
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Address by the Presiding Officer | Professor Stuart Croft Vice-Chancellor & President
Professor Stuart Croft is the Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick and has been instrumental in leading the university's development since 2016, with a strategic focus on creating a better world together.
In addition to his role at the University of Warwick, Stuart serves as Chair of Universities West Midlands and has held several other leadership positions in academia. He has a background in International Security and has made significant contributions to publications and journals in the field.
In 2021, Stuart was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.
More information…[https://warwick.ac.uk/services/vco/vc/]
FIRST PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
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Honorary Graduand | Mark Urban
Mark Urban is a distinguished British journalist, military historian, and former broadcaster. He is a writer and commentator for The Sunday Times specialising in defence and foreign affairs. Until May 2024 he was Diplomatic Editor and occasional presenter for BBC Two's Newsnight.
Born in London in 1961, he studied at the London School of Economics after attending Rokeby Preparatory School and King's College School. Following university, he served in the Royal Tank Regiment and the Territorial Army.
Urban began his journalism career with the BBC in 1983 and later became defence correspondent for The Independent. He rejoined the BBC in the 1990s, where he served as Diplomatic Editor for Newsnight for nearly three decades, reporting from conflict zones including the Gulf, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He left the BBC in 2024.
As a military historian, Urban has authored several acclaimed books, including Big Boys’ Rules, The Man Who Broke Napoleon’s Codes, and Task Force Black. His work is known for combining thorough research with vivid narrative and first-hand accounts.
SECOND PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
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Alumni Speaker | Femi Cadmus
Femi Cadmus is Law Librarian and Professor of Law at Yale Law School. With a professional career in law libraries spanning over three decades, she has extensive experience in both academic and law firm libraries. Most recently, Femi held the position of Archibald C. and Frances Fulk Rufty Distinguished Research Professor of Law, Associate Dean, and Director of the J. Michael Goodson Law Library at Duke Law School. Prior to that, she was the Edward Cornell Law Librarian, Associate Dean for Library Services, and Professor of the Practice at Cornell University. Femi is actively involved in the premier professional association for law librarians, the American Association of Law Libraries (AALL), and served as its President from 2018 to 2019. In addition, she participates on several legal information advisory boards and is a founding member of the steering committees of Law Archive, a free global open access legal scholarship repository, and the Global Online Access to Legal Information (GOALI), a Research4Life program that provides free or reduced cost access to legal information in the Global South. Femi has served as consultant to academic and court libraries in the United States and internationally. Her research interests, publications, and presentations cover topics such as law and technology, the evolving role of modern law libraries, open access to legal information, and law library management and administration. Femi holds an LL.B. from the University of Jos, Nigeria, a B.L from the Nigerian Law School, an LL.M. in Law in Development from the University of Warwick and an M.L.I.S. from the University of Oklahoma. She is admitted to practice law in New York.
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The National Anthem | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir and ARC Brass Quintet
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
Week 2 (21-25 July)
Order of Proceedings
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
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Welcome & Introduction | Piers Gibbon
Piers Gibbon is the host and Master of Ceremonies for our graduation ceremonies. He has the responsibility for reading out every name and ensuring that everyone has a memorable day. Piers is a speech writer, a television presenter (Headshrinkers of the Amazon, A Taste of History, The Witch Doctor Will See You Now) and the author of Tribes: Endangered Peoples Of The World.
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Address by the Presiding Officer | Advocate Bience Gawanas, Chancellor
Bience Gawanas -The Chancellor is the formal Head of the University, whose official duties are to confer degrees on behalf of the University. Beyond the formal and representational duties, the new Chancellor will play a key role in the University’s life by promoting the work and ambitions of the University in the UK and overseas. The Chancellor will also play an important role in the development and fundraising activities of the University.
Bience succeeds Baroness Catherine Ashton, who served as Chancellor since 2016. The University thanks Baroness Ashton for her years of dedicated service and her tireless advocacy for Warwick’s growth as a world-leading institution.
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Warwick Awards for Personal Tutoring Excellence | Leticia Villamediana Gonzale
The Warwick Awards for Personal Tutoring Excellence (WAPTE)recognise and reward those who have enhanced the student learning experience and championed personal tutoring in their departments.
Every year, we ask students and staff to recognise those who have made a significant difference to the support of students through personal tutoring.
Leticia has made an essential contribution to the overall experience of students and colleagues in the SMLC, through her various leadership roles within Hispanic Studies, and as a highly experienced personal tutor.
FIRST PRESENTATION OF GRADUANDS | GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF ARTS
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Honorary Graduate | Baroness Catherine Ashton
Baroness Catherine Ashton - 1977 – BSc, Social Science (Sociology), Bedford College, University of London 1977-99 – Worked in the public, private and NGO sectors, including Director of Business in the Community, 1983-89 1999 – Created a life peer by Tony Blair’s Labour Government 2001-4 – Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department of Education 2004-7 – Parliamentary Under=Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs 2006 – Appointed a Privy Councillor 2007 – Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Ministry of Justice 2007-8 – Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Council 2008 –Appointed British European Commissioner and Trade Commissioner for the EU 2009 – 14- EU’s first High Representative for Foreign Policy 2010 – 14 –Vice-President of the European Commission 2015 – Appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (GCMG) 2017 – Distinguished Fellow at the Wilson Centre 2017-2024 – Chancellor, University of Warwick 2019 – Appointed King of Arms of the Order of St Michael and St George 2022 – Appointed Chancellor of the Order 2023 – Appointed Lady Companion of the Most Noble of the Garter 2023 – Published And Then What? Inside Stories of 21st Century Diplomacy
Baroness Ashton holds 12 honorary degrees, including from the Universities of East London, Edge Hill, Bath and Lancaster.
SECOND PRESENTATION OF GRADUANDS | GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF ARTS
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Outstanding Student Contribution Award | Mathew Stephenson
The Outstanding Student Contribution Awards (OSCAs) recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Warwick's students. They not only excel academically, but also find the time to campaign for good causes, fundraise, start small business, and work with local charities.
THIRD PRESENTATION OF GRADUANDS | GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF ARTS
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Alumni Speaker | Leo Bøe
Leo Bøe graduated from the University of Warwick in 2010 with a BA (Hons.) in Politics and International Studies, including a semester in Hong Kong. Leo was elected twice as a Students' Union Sabbatical Officer—first as Welfare Officer, then as President and Chair of the Board of Trustees. Leo also holds a Master of Research in Education, Economics and International Development from the University of Oslo and the University of Amsterdam. Leo is currently a Principal Consultant in Strategy and Economics at PA Consulting, a global innovation consultancy. Until recently, he served as Chief of Staff and Strategy Lead to the CEO. Over the past 15 years, Leo has built a diverse international career advising the UK Government, overseas governments, the United Nations, public health providers, and financial institutions on innovation and investment strategies that drive social progress and economic growth—often focused on education and human capital. He has worked across the public, private, third and charity sectors in more than ten countries, including Thailand, Burma, Egypt, Mongolia, Australia and the US. In the UK public sector, he has helped Departments shape spending decisions in response to changing policy and citizen needs. His achievements include managing Skills for Prosperity, an £80 million education fund for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office which reached four million beneficiaries across nine countries, developing investment cases for ‘state of the future’ NHS hospitals, designing an index to measure overlapping forms of human isolation for a global charity, authoring legislation to create new education pathways for the Government of Egypt, and strengthening UK-India, UK-China and UK-ASEAN education and research relationships. He also led a crisis team at the Department for Education to shape the future of student exchange during Brexit, and strengthened education provision for refugee youth while working for the UN in Burma and Thailand. Leo’s time at Warwick was shaped by active involvement in Warwick Snow, the Politics Society, Model UN, JSOC, Pride, and volunteering in local schools through various societies. An accomplished linguist, Leo benefitted greatly from the Language Centre where he studied Greek and Arabic. Leo is originally Swiss and Norwegian and lives in Clapham (SW London) with his fiancé, Tom.
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The National Anthem | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir and ARC Brass Quintet
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
Order of Proceedings
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
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Welcome & Introduction | Piers Gibbon
Piers Gibbon is the host and Master of Ceremonies for our graduation ceremonies. He has the responsibility for reading out every name and ensuring that everyone has a memorable day. Piers is a speech writer, a television presenter (Headshrinkers of the Amazon, A Taste of History, The Witch Doctor Will See You Now) and the author of Tribes: Endangered Peoples Of The World.
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Address by the Presiding Officer | Advocate Bience Gawanas, Chancellor
Bience Gawanas -The Chancellor is the formal Head of the University, whose official duties are to confer degrees on behalf of the University. Beyond the formal and representational duties, the new Chancellor will play a key role in the University’s life by promoting the work and ambitions of the University in the UK and overseas. The Chancellor will also play an important role in the development and fundraising activities of the University.
Bience succeeds Baroness Catherine Ashton, who served as Chancellor since 2016. The University thanks Baroness Ashton for her years of dedicated service and her tireless advocacy for Warwick’s growth as a world-leading institution.
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Warwick Awards for Public and Community Engagement | Christopher Strelluf
The Warwick Awards for Public and Community Engagement (WAPCE), seek to recognise the vital contributions Warwick staff and students make in engaging the public – on an international and national level as well as crucially within our region and local communities – in our learning and discovery, with the goals of sharing and co-producing knowledge, strengthening the role we play in the region and showcasing the role Warwick plays nationally and internationally in making the world a better place.
Christopher, Associate Professor of Linguistics, partnered with grassroots group Modern Cockney to challenge stigma around working-class Londoners. As advisor, he helped create A Cockney Blueprint for Tower Hamlets—a community-led curriculum promoting Cockney as a legitimate language and advancing social justice. The project shaped public policy, empowered local voices, and redefined participatory research in sociolinguistics.
FIRST PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
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Alumni Speaker | Tier Blundell
Tier Blundell was born on a council estate in 1990 to dual-heritage parents. Despite suffering racism, abuse, and exclusion from school, Tier turned a corner in his life as an adult through training and competing in martial arts. Finally seeing how big and deep the world could be he, Tier was inspired to attempt to return to education where he was initially rejected. Taking what he had learnt from life and martial arts, he went to college to fight for his place on the course. He won it and, shortly after, arrived here at the University of Warwick.
SECOND PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
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The National Anthem | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir and ARC Brass Quintet
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
Order of Proceedings
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
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Welcome & Introduction | Piers Gibbons
Piers Gibbon is the host and Master of Ceremonies for our graduation ceremonies. He has the responsibility for reading out every name and ensuring that everyone has a memorable day. Piers is a speech writer, a television presenter (Headshrinkers of the Amazon, A Taste of History, The Witch Doctor Will See You Now) and the author of Tribes: Endangered Peoples Of The World.
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Address by the Presiding Officer | Advocate Bience Gawanas, Chancellor
Bience Gawanas -The Chancellor is the formal Head of the University, whose official duties are to confer degrees on behalf of the University. Beyond the formal and representational duties, the new Chancellor will play a key role in the University’s life by promoting the work and ambitions of the University in the UK and overseas. The Chancellor will also play an important role in the development and fundraising activities of the University.
Bience succeeds Baroness Catherine Ashton, who served as Chancellor since 2016. The University thanks Baroness Ashton for her years of dedicated service and her tireless advocacy for Warwick’s growth as a world-leading institution
- Warwick Awards for Personal Tutoring Excellence (WAPTE) | Kirk Surgener
The Warwick Awards for Personal Tutoring Excellence (WAPTE)recognise and reward those who have enhanced the student learning experience and championed personal tutoring in their departments.
Every year, we ask students and staff to recognise those who have made a significant difference to the support of students through personal tutoring.
As Director of the PPE programme, Kirk works tirelessly to support a large cohort of students, embedding a holistic approach to personal tutoring. He supports all students in developing their own definition of success, both in their studies and life after graduation.
FIRST PRESENTATION | GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
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Chancellor's Medal | Sir David Normington
Sir David Normington is the University’s Chair of Council and Pro-Chancellor. Sir David began his first term of office as Chair and Pro-Chancellor on 1 August 2017. Prior to this, Sir David has served as an Independent Member of Council since August 2011. Sir David chairs the Nominations Committee, Honorary Degree Committee and the University of Warwick Foundation and is a member of the Remuneration Committee and the Finance and General Purposes Committee.
Sir David was a civil servant for 37 years, working in the fields of employment, education and criminal justice. He was Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education and Skills from 2001 to 2005, at a time when the Department was responsible for further and higher education and skills in addition to its responsibilities for children and schools. From 2006 to 2010 he was Permanent Secretary at the Home Office leading a department with over 30,000 staff and responsibility for controversial issues like immigration and law and order. He worked with five Home Secretaries over his five-year term as Permanent Secretary and led a major transformation programme to restore the Home Office’s capability and reputation.
After retiring from the civil service at the end of 2010, Sir David was the First Civil Service Commissioner and the Commissioner for Public Appointments from April 2011 to March 2016. In these roles he regulated appointments to the civil service and public bodies, seeking to ensure that they were on merit after fair and open competition.
Sir David received a KCB in 2005 and was appointed GCB in the 2011 New Year’s Honours list. Sir David has an M.A.(Oxon) in Modern History and is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Personnel and Development. Sir David was a Trustee of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) from 2011 - 2018. He is currently the Chair of Birmingham Royal Ballet, is a Royal Ballet governor, and is a Lay Canon of Portsmouth Cathedral, where he also Chairs the Nominations Committee.
SECOND PRESENTATION | GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
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Outstanding Student Contribution Award | Aimee Cornish
The Outstanding Student Contribution Awards (OSCAs) recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of Warwick's students. They not only excel academically, but also find the time to campaign for good causes, fundraise, start small business, and work with local charities.
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Alumni Speaker | Helena Quinn
Helena Quinn is a Principal Policy Adviser for AI Policy at the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the UK's data protection authority. She has led the ICO’s work on generative AI and AI explainability. Helena has worked at the intersection of policy and AI for over eight years. Her experience includes working in academia at The Alan Turing Institute, industry through her work at a consultancy advising Big Tech companies and a public sector consultancy in New Zealand, and the public sector through her work at the Competition and Markets Authority and the ICO.
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The National Anthem | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir and ARC Brass Quintet
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
Order of Proceedings
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
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Welcome & Introduction | Piers Gibbon
Piers Gibbon is the host and Master of Ceremonies for our graduation ceremonies. He has the responsibility for reading out every name and ensuring that everyone has a memorable day. Piers is a speech writer, a television presenter (Headshrinkers of the Amazon, A Taste of History, The Witch Doctor Will See You Now) and the author of Tribes: Endangered Peoples Of The World.
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Address by the Presiding Officer | Professor Stuart Croft Vice-Chancellor & President
Professor Stuart Croft is the Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick and has been instrumental in leading the university's development since 2016, with a strategic focus on creating a better world together.
In addition to his role at the University of Warwick, Stuart serves as Chair of Universities West Midlands and has held several other leadership positions in academia. He has a background in International Security and has made significant contributions to publications and journals in the field.
In 2021, Stuart was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.
More information…[https://warwick.ac.uk/services/vco/vc/]
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Warwick Awards for Public and Community Engagement |Michaela Gummerum
The Warwick Awards for Public and Community Engagement (WAPCE), seek to recognise the vital contributions Warwick staff and students make in engaging the public – on an international and national level as well as crucially within our region and local communities – in our learning and discovery, with the goals of sharing and co-producing knowledge, strengthening the role we play in the region and showcasing the role Warwick plays nationally and internationally in making the world a better place.
Michaela led digital literacy workshops across Coventry, engaging diverse youth communities in online safety and misinformation awareness. Partnering with organisations like Action Family Network and the Carers Trust, she delivered hands-on sessions to empower young people in evaluating digital content. Feedback highlighted increased confidence and engagement, with plans to co-create resources and continue collaborations. The initiative has strengthened university-community connections and raised awareness of digital literacy challenges among adolescents.
FIRST PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND MEDICINE
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Alumni Speaker | Dr Claire Guest OBE
Dr Claire Guest OBE obtained a BSc in Psychology in 1986, followed by an MSc in Psychology by research. She is a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors and was Director of Operations & Research at Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. In 2004 Claire directed one of the first studies in the world to train dogs to identify bladder cancer by odour publishing a robust proof of principle in the British Medical Journal. In 2008 Claire became Co-Founder of Medical Detection Dogs (MDD), a charity that trains both Bio Detection and Medical Alert Assistance Dogs and is the Chief Executive and Chief Scientific Officer. Claire headed up a project which was one of the first in the world, to prove that dogs can detect the odour of Covid-19 during the pandemic. She is also spearheading world-leading, innovative projects investigating the potential for dogs to sniff conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, prostate cancer, bowel cancer, malaria, and bacterial infections. Claire and her team have trained and placed over 200 assistance dogs which save the lives of their clients daily, including the first dogs trained to alert to oncoming hypo-glycaemic episodes, oncoming PoTS episodes and the first nut allergy dog.
In 2011 Claire was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the development of new approaches for the detection of life-threatening diseases. In January 2015 she was awarded a British Citizen Award for health and in 2016 received the CBI National First Women award for Science and Technology. In 2023 Claire was awarded an OBE for Services to Medical Knowledge, Public Health and Wellbeing. Claire is Chair of the Trustee Board for The David Riddell CIO which focuses on mental health and suicide awareness, is a Trustee of Assistance Dogs UK and a Board member for Assistance Dogs Europe.
SECOND PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND MEDICINE
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The National Anthem | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir and ARC Brass Quintet
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
Order of Proceedings
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
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Welcome & Introduction | Piers Gibbon
Piers Gibbon is the host and Master of Ceremonies for our graduation ceremonies. He has the responsibility for reading out every name and ensuring that everyone has a memorable day. Piers is a speech writer, a television presenter (Headshrinkers of the Amazon, A Taste of History, The Witch Doctor Will See You Now) and the author of Tribes: Endangered Peoples Of The World.
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Address by the Presiding Officer | Professor Stuart Croft Vice-Chancellor & President
Professor Stuart Croft is the Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick and has been instrumental in leading the university's development since 2016, with a strategic focus on creating a better world together.
In addition to his role at the University of Warwick, Stuart serves as Chair of Universities West Midlands and has held several other leadership positions in academia. He has a background in International Security and has made significant contributions to publications and journals in the field.
In 2021, Stuart was appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.
More information…[https://warwick.ac.uk/services/vco/vc/]
FIRST PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND MEDICINE
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Benefactor's Medal | Timothy Hartnoll
Timothy Hartnoll graduated from the University of Warwick with a BSc in Engineering Science in 1976. He is one of the University’s most deeply committed philanthropic supporters. After his degree, he led his family shipping business, X-Press Feeders, to become the world’s largest feeder ship operation. He is an advocate for sustainability and care for the environment, which he has realised in his business practices.
His visionary support for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Experimental Fuel Technologies, and scholarships at Warwick has been transformative. We are delighted to recognise his impact on life-changing opportunities for students and world-leading research through the rare and prestigious award of the Benefactor’s Medal.
More information...
SECOND PRESENTATION: GRADUANDS FROM THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE, ENGINEERING AND MEDICINE
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Alumni Speaker | Jose Gonzalez
Jose Gonzalez is an experienced senior manager who has a wealth of experience within cybersecurity and cyber intelligence. Combining management experience, project planning & delivering, budgetary control, technical and soft skills with an extensive background in cybersecurity architecture, penetration testing management, threat analysis, risk management & mitigation, IT governance and compliance, complemented with teaching skills.
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The National Anthem | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir and ARC Brass Quintet
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University of Warwick Anthem & Academic Procession | Performed by The University of Warwick Chamber Choir, Brass and Percussion
After your ceremony
Celebrate with family and/or friends and enjoy your day!
- Share your celebrations with us @UniOfWarwick or #WarwickGrad
- Head to the Piazza for your cohort photo
Penguin Photography Group Photo Locations - Thursday 24th July
| Cohort | Location | |||||||||||
| Life Sciences | A | |||||||||||
| Psychology |
B |
- You will find photo opportunities around the Piazza and Warwick Arts Centre to make use of
- Join your academic department reception events - they will have confirmed with you directly where this is taking place
- Purchase your graduation (stage crossing) photo from Ede and Ravenscroft's stand in Warwick Arts Centre foyer
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Welcome to the Warwick Alumni Community! We're excited to welcome you to a network of over 305,000 alumni who live and work in over 180 countries and territories globally. Find out more about the benefits and opportunities available to you by visiting our alumni stand in the Piazza
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Have your professional photos taken in the Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre or purchase souvenirs in Warwick Arts Centre/Rootes Grocery Store, if you did not have time before the ceremony
- Keep your certificate safe!
- Please return your robes by 7pm. Robe Return is to the Ensemble Room, Warwick Arts Centre
After Graduation:
- See our Souvenirs and Gifts page, where you will find the full ceremony footage to download and photos from the day.Link opens in a new window
- We'd love your feedbackLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window on the day!
- Keep in touch! You're now part of a proud, vibrant, global alumni community like no other - with a shared bond and a lifelong connection to Warwick. Find out more about the range of benefits and opportunities that are available to you as a Warwick graduate on our alumni pages
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Email alumni@warwick.ac.uk
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Facebook: Warwick Alumni
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YouTube: @UniofWarwickAlumni
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