BGU students celebrate Graduation 2024

Nearly 900 students graduated from BGU this year

Students, friends, family, and faculty gathered in Lincoln Cathedral to witness the graduation ceremonies of students from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU).

Celebrations took place on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th July over four ceremonies. 888 students from various academic disciplines graduated this year, including undergraduate, master's, postgraduate, doctoral programmes, and apprenticeships, with many donning their robes to cross the stage at Lincoln Cathedral.

The University also presented Honorary Awards to individuals recognised for their exceptional contributions to the University, academia and society.

Among the Honorary Doctorate awardees was BBC presenter Peter Levy, who has had a distinguished 49-year career in broadcasting, notably presenting BBC Look North for Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire since 2002. Hannah Gold, celebrated children’s author of best-sellers such as The Last Bear, also received an Honorary Doctorate.

Receiving a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is Alex Baxter, who is the Chair of Franklin Sixth Form College, and whose service in the Royal Navy inspired his current roles and contributions to military-civil engagement in North East Lincolnshire. Educationalist and historian Judith Jones was honoured for her exceptional contributions to the University and public life, including her voluntary work with the Sandford Award. Paul Deane, Principal and Chief Executive of Grantham College, was recognised for his role in fostering educational collaborations across Lincolnshire. Richard Hallsworth received an Honorary Fellowship for his dedicated service to BGU as a trustee and council member.

This year's ceremonies were overseen by Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Stanton. She said: “Graduation marks a significant milestone for all our students, and it is a privilege to celebrate this achievement in the historic Lincoln Cathedral.

“We are delighted to honour the diverse talents and achievements of our graduating students, and to anticipate the extraordinary contributions they will make in their respective fields and communities. I have no doubt they will make us proud.”