Thousands of students to graduate from the University of Reading this week
Wednesday, 06 July 2016
'The University family is extremely proud of all our graduates. As students, they have worked hard and fully deserve their degrees.'
Over 3,500 students will graduate from the University of Reading this week, with ceremonies taking place across Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Staff are reminded that over the course of the week, car parks 1a, 2 & 7 will be reserved for graduation parking. A shuttle bus will be running between Whiteknights and London Road throughout the day to help guests travel between sites.
A total of 18 ceremonies will be held in London Road’s historic Great Hall across the next three days. As well as awarding degrees to our students, the University will present the following selection of special awards:
Alumnus of the Year
Laura Tobin is the University of Reading's 2016 Alumnus of the Year.
Laura studied physics and meteorology at the University, and has worked with the Royal Air Force and the BBC. She currently presents for ITV on Good Morning Britain with Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid.
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
The Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, Cushman & Wakefield and Santander Universities UK will all be inducted into the College of Benefactors, in honour of the impact each of these supporters has had on our research and student experience.
Members of this prestigious group are recognised as being the most significant donors to the University.
Speaking on this year’s ceremonies, 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."
Practical information about this week’s ceremonies can be found here.