Thousands graduate from Reading with a brighter future
Release Date 06 July 2016
Thousands of new graduates will stand out from the background this week as summer graduation ceremonies take place at the University of Reading this week.
3,500 students will graduate at 18 ceremonies held in the University's Great Hall on the historic London Road campus on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Graduates can enjoy the celebrations knowing that studying at Reading has provided them with a great start to the next stage of their lives. Last year, 94% of Reading graduates were in work or further study within six months of graduating.
Vice-Chancellor Sir David Bell said: "The University family is extremely proud of all our graduates. As students, they have worked hard and fully deserve their degrees.
"In the year of our 90th anniversary, we know that many of today's graduates will emulate the pioneers from our past and achieve great things.
"My warmest congratulations go to all who are graduating this week. While they have bright futures ahead of them all over the world, they should know that they will always be part of the University of Reading community."
As well as handing out thousands of degrees, the University will be awarding six honorary degrees, an alumnus of the year award, and inducting three new donors into the College of Benefactors.
Alumnus of the Year
Laura Tobin is the University of Reading's 2016 Alumnus of the Year.
Laura has been a TV weather broadcaster for nine years and currently presents for ITV on Good Morning Britain with Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid.
She attended the University of Reading, studying physics and meteorology. Before joining national television, Laura worked with the Royal Air Force, providing aeronautical meteorology reports and briefings via the British Forces Broadcasting Services. Laura has also worked as a weather presenter for the BBC.
Laura Tobin will be presented for the Alumnus of the Year Award 2016 by Professor Keith Shine on Thursday 7 July.
Honorary degrees
- Educating for 21st century lives: Professor Sir David Eastwood will be presented for an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters on Wednesday 6 July. Sir David is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and in 2014, was awarded a knighthood for his services to higher education.
- Safeguarding heritage: Dame Helen Ghosh will be presented for an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters on Wednesday 6 July. Dame Helen is Director-General of the National Trust and was a member of the Civil Service for 33 years, holding posts including Permanent Secretary at both Defra and the Home Office.
- Health innovation: Dr Geoffrey Guy will be presented for an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science on Thursday 7 July. With over 30 years of experience in medical research and global drug development, Dr Geoffrey Guy is the founder of GW Pharmaceuticals and has served as its Chairman since 1998.
- Investing in education: Mary Riall will be presented for an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters on Thursday 7 July. Mary is a former teacher and is the founder and CEO of the Ufton Court Educational Trust in Berkshire.
- Pioneering leadership: The Rt Rev Rachel Treweek will be presented for an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters on Friday 8 July. Rachel Treweek is the 41st Bishop of Gloucester and attended the University of Reading, where she studied linguistics and language pathology.
- Innovation in architecture: John Worthington MBE will be presented for an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science on Friday 8 July. John is a professor of architecture and has held academic positions all over the world. He is currently a Commissioner of the Independent Transport Commission, leading the review of the spatial impact of high-speed rail.
College of Benefactors
This week the University of Reading will also celebrate the impact of three of its most prolific supporters of the institution's research and student experience.
The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, Cushman & Wakefield and Santander Universities UK are all inducted into the College of Benefactors. Members of this prestigious group are recognised as being the most significant donors to the University.
Practical information about this year's graduation ceremonies
Tweet your congratulations and share your pictures and memories from the day using #rdggrad.