University to celebrate achievements of students and community champions at graduation ceremonies

Inspirational figures from the worlds of TV, entertainment, sport, healthcare and charity will join thousands of graduates celebrating their achievements at University of Gloucestershire’s 2025 Graduation Ceremonies.

Taking place from 19-21 November, the ceremonies mark one of the most significant occasions in the University calendar, bringing together more than 2,000 graduates to celebrate their academic accomplishments with family, friends and the academic and professional teams who have supported them.

As part of the annual celebrations at Cheltenham Racecourse, the University will confer honorary awards on nine exceptional individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to Gloucestershire, nationally or on the international stage.

This year’s recipients include former English rugby union player and inspirational campaigner, Ed Slater (main image), who will be awarded an Honorary Fellowship; multi-award-winning comedian and author, Bridget Christie (below), who will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Arts; and long-serving fundraiser and campaigner, Julie Kent MBE, the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, who will receive an Honorary Fellowship.

Vice-Chancellor and CEO of University of Gloucestershire, Dame Clare Marchant, said: “We are incredibly proud of our dedicated, hard-working and ambitious student community, and the Graduation Ceremonies are a fantastic opportunity to recognise their achievements among the people without whom they could not have done it.

“Earning a university qualification requires resilience, sacrifice and commitment, so I hope every one of our graduates feels immense pride in all they have accomplished.

“The ceremonies provide an opportunity to reflect on their time at the University, which will have given them lifelong friendships, unforgettable experiences, and valuable connections that will continue to shape their futures. We wish them every success as they embark on successful, rewarding and fulfilling careers as the newest members of our alumni family.

“Our connection with the communities of Gloucestershire remains central to who we are. We are therefore delighted to honour nine exceptional individuals, including close friends of the University, whose remarkable contributions have made a lasting difference to the lives of many people in our county and beyond, as recipients of our honorary doctorates and fellowships this year.”

The Graduation Ceremonies will be presided over by Lord Michael Bichard, Chancellor of the University, and the Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, Pro-Chancellor of the University.

The full list of honorary fellowships and doctorates for 2025 is:

• Nick Broady, successful businessman, Chairman of the Pied Piper Appeal and the Gloucester Rugby Charitable Foundation, and Member of the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire: Honorary Fellowship.

• Pete Bungard, recently retired Chief Executive of Gloucestershire County Council who had a 27-year career in public service and served as an External Member of University Council for 9 years: Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy.

• Bridget Christie, Gloucester born and raised award-winning comedian and author, who has appeared widely on radio and television and used her successes to challenge important issues including discrimination and economic inequality: Honorary Doctorate of Arts.

• Sam Clark-Stone, who has had a significant national career in the field of Mental Health Nursing, co-founding the British Eating Disorders Society (BrEDS) where he serves as Chair, and in the 2022 NHS Parliamentary Awards won the Lifetime Achievement Award for the South West: Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy.

• Delroy Ellis, youth worker, mentor and registered foster carer, who founded Increase the Peace, and YES Mentoring to address anti-social behaviour and support vulnerable young people in Gloucestershire: Honorary Fellowship.

• Dr Robin Hollands, long-serving GP in Cheltenham, who has also held wider roles within the NHS, including IT Lead for Gloucestershire and has acted as the University’s Medical Officer for over 20 years: Honorary Fellowship.

• Julie Kent MBE, current High Sheriff of Gloucestershire and inspirational local fundraiser and campaigner who founded the Emily Kent Trust, raising a significant amount of money for children with cancer in Gloucestershire: Honorary Fellowship.

• Ed Slater, former English rugby union player and prominent campaigner, raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease following his diagnosis in 2022: Honorary Fellowship.

• Tweedy BEM, celebrated performer and cornerstone of Gifford’s Circus for more than 15 years, who has devoted a significant amount of time to charity work: Honorary Fellowship.

Main Image: Former rugby union player and prominent campaigner, Ed Slater with two of his children (photo credit: Gloucester Rugby)