Congratulations to the class of 2016

Thousands of relatives and friends will be attending the Summer Award Ceremonies at the Brighton Dome with many more watching from their homes across the UK and around the world via a livestream.

Professor Debra Humphris, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “Graduation ceremonies are the high-point of the academic year. They are the one time when the whole university comes together as a community with the family and friends of our students to celebrate their fantastic achievements.

“We are immensely proud of all of our graduates. They are the leaders and professionals of the future and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve.”

A number of honorary awards will also be made throughout the week.

Noted art curator, Angela Weight, will receive an honorary Doctor of Arts in recognition of her major contribution to the museum and arts sector and her promotion as a curator of both contemporary artists and the art of the past in the public understanding of war and conflict.

Prize-winning journalist, presenter and equalities campaigner, Paris Lees, will receive an honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of her major contribution to the understanding of trans-identity in contemporary society as a journalist and cultural commentator.

Local mental health worker, Helen Jones, will receive an honorary Master of Arts in recognition of her outstanding contribution to public service in the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender mental health.

Former principal of Plumpton College, Des Lambert OBE, will receive an honorary Doctor of Technology in recognition of his contribution to land-based further and higher education provision in Sussex for the benefit of young people in the region.

The Fellowship of the University will be awarded to Maggie Carroll, former Head of the School of Education, in recognition of her major contribution to the University of Brighton and her promotion of teaching and learning at the highest level.

Students will also hear from a range of distinguished alumni including Dr Anna Barnes, Associate Director of Brighton and Sussex University Hospital Trust, Marc Allsop, Senior Vice-President and Head of Global Business for Aimia and Group Captain Mark Hunt OBE, Commandant of the School of Aeronautical Engineering and Station Commander RAF Cosford.