UoG to celebrate achievements of students and honorary award recipients at Graduation Ceremonies
International campaigners, distinguished leaders and community heroes will join thousands of graduates celebrating their achievements at University of Gloucestershire’s 2026 Graduation Ceremonies.
Six ceremonies, on 18-20 November, will provide more than 2,000 new graduates with opportunities 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 six exceptional individuals from Gloucestershire who have made an outstanding contribution to the county, nationally or on the international stage.
This year’s recipients include prominent international campaigner and children’s online safety advocate, Ellen Roome MBE; Chief Executive Officer of The Football Association, Mark Bullingham; and founder of the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and a driving force behind Gloucester Services, Mark Gale.
Vice-Chancellor, Dame Clare Marchant, DBE, said: “Our Graduation Ceremonies are a joyful occasion where we celebrate the achievements of our students alongside the family, friends and supporters who have been an important part of their university journey.
“Earning a university qualification takes resilience, dedication and hard work, and I hope every graduate who walks across the stage to receive their congratulations feels incredibly proud about all they have accomplished.
“We hope they begin an exciting new chapter with lifelong friendships, treasured memories and the confidence that comes from the knowledge, experiences and connections they have gained during their time with us. We wish them every success in the opportunities and careers that lie ahead as the newest members of our alumni community.
“As we look forward to our Graduation Ceremonies, we’re also pleased to announce the names of an outstanding group of individuals who have made a valuable contribution to Gloucestershire, the UK and beyond as recipients of our honorary doctorates and fellowships this year.
“By recognising these great champions of Gloucestershire and welcoming them into our University community, we strengthen our connections with the people and organisations who make our county such a special place. Their achievements and commitment to others offer real inspiration to our graduating students.”
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 doctorates and fellowships for 2026 is:
Ellen Roome MBE: prominent international campaigner and children’s online safety advocate; receives an Honorary Doctorate of Law in recognition of her tireless international campaigning and as a role model to students for her resilience, clarity of purpose and willingness to confront powerful global interests
Mark Bullingham: CEO of The Football Association; receives an Honorary Doctorate in Philosophy in recognition of his significant contributions to sport, and his dedication to women’s football and inclusivity.
Mike Smart: highly respected ecologist and ornithologist, with achievements internationally as well as nationally and locally; receives an Honorary Doctorate in Science in recognition of his outstanding international career in the field of ecology and ornithology, and recognising his significant support for students on our Biosciences and Ecology courses in particular.
Mark Gale: founder and former CEO of the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust; receives an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his significant contribution to Gloucestershire on a national stage, and for his dedication to supporting disadvantaged people locally.
Manny Masih: BBC Radio Gloucestershire presenter since 1988; receives an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his work across Gloucestershire through his championing of minority community voices and his work towards community cohesion locally.
Hash Norat: community champion in Gloucester; receives an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his exceptional contributions to tackling food poverty in Gloucester, and in strengthening community cohesion across the city, including his generous support for the University’s Muslim student community.