November 2019 Graduation Ceremonies fire up

The ceremonies start today, Monday 11^th, and run to Thursday 14^th

HUNDREDS of graduates and postgraduates from the University of Huddersfield will be cheered on by their loved ones as they walk across the stage in St Paul’s during the November Graduation Ceremonies. 

Taking place over four days between 11-14 November, the graduation ceremonies will see over 1,500 graduates and postgraduates from across the University’s seven academic schools receive their degrees. 

The first day of the awards ceremony is also Remembrance Day.  To mark this special anniversary, the University will be holding a two-minute silence in the Plaza at 11 am on Monday 11 November.  This is a non-religious service which will see the University Brass Band playing music in the Plaza from 10.30 am.  Just before 11 am the Last Post will be sounded, followed by an observation of the two-minute silence. 

In addition to the hundreds of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, alongside special certificates and diplomas, there will also be approximately 60 doctorates awarded for research in a wide variety of fields. 

November 2019 Honorary Doctorates

Two of the ceremonies will also see distinguished figures, from retail management and music, accepting Honorary Doctorates of the University. 

Supermarket CEO Roger Burnley, one of the leading executives in the UK retail industry, is being conferred the award of Honorary Doctorate of the University for services to retail management. 

Roger Burnley has enjoyed success in a number of senior positions in the retail market, both in the UK and overseas, and was promoted to his current position as President and CEO of UK supermarket chain Asda in 2018.  Roger is proud of his Yorkshire heritage – he was born in neighbouring Dewsbury – and is a lifelong fan of the Huddersfield Town Football Club. 

Celebrated cornet player Phillip McCann will receive his Honorary award of Honorary Doctorate of the University for services to music and education. 

Phillip McCann has earned an international reputation and been the recipient of many accolades as a musician and latterly as a conductor.  An advocate of education and developing young talent, Phillip taught in the music department at the University of Huddersfield for almost 30 years and mentored many students who now hold important positions in music today. 

The large numbers of families and friends helping the former students to celebrate mean that the campus will be packed throughout the four days as graduates from the University’s seven academic schools receive their awards.

Among the students receiving their degrees will also be the winners of special awards, including high-performers whose consistently high marks have earned them a Chancellor’s Prize.