New Vice-Chancellor leads University of Brighton graduation celebrations

Professor Donna Whitehead joined families, friends and university staff to honour a new generation of University of Brighton graduates as they crossed the stage to collect their degrees and doctorates.

This latest cohort of graduates ranges in age from 19 to 77 and represents 73 different countries, highlighting the diversity and global impact of the University of Brighton. They join an alumni community of more than 190,000 worldwide that includes trailblazing scientists, award-winning artists, ground-breaking innovators and history-making astronauts alongside countless teachers, nurses, pharmacists, architects, lawyers and many more who are changing lives - and the world - for the better.

Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said:  

“Graduation is a time to feel proud, to reflect on everything our students have achieved and celebrate all the hard work that has brought them to this point. It’s a moment to recognise the unique journey of each of our graduates, and I’m hugely excited about the potential they carry as they step into the next phase of their lives. I can’t wait to see the positive impact they’ll make in the world. I feel so very lucky to be able join these amazing graduates and their friends, families and supporters to celebrate their special day. What a fantastic reminder of the power of education to change lives and the world for the better, and of the important role our university plays in our city, our region and beyond.”

Among those graduating will be MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy student Calebtina Peprah. Calebtina was a recipient of the University's Student Potential Fund, which supports students with exceptional talent and drive, empowering them to make the most of their university experience. Alongside her studies, she also represented her fellow students on Brighton Students Union’s Board of Governors.

“Graduating today is bittersweet because Brighton has truly felt like home and a place where I belonged,” Calebtina said. “It’s also a moment to reflect on all I’m proud to have accomplished. Starting as a mature student during the uncertainties of the COVID-19 era, I embraced every challenge to grow independently. I’m incredibly proud of the leadership roles I took on – volunteering, mentoring, and completing summer placements enriched my journey, and the unwavering support from friends, family, university staff, and the broader community made all the difference. Brighton will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Tropical public health engineer and humanitarian leader, Jean-François (Jeff) Fesselet, will receive an Honorary Degree at the ceremonies. Jeff has built a truly impactful career addressing global health crises, including work with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in response to major emergencies and disease outbreaks. His longstanding partnership with the University of Brighton has seen him collaborate on groundbreaking research in wastewater treatment and emergency response.

Today, Jeff serves as the coordinator for Infection Prevention & Control and Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation (WASH) teams within the Public Health Department in Amsterdam where he has recently expanded his focus to include operational research and initiatives addressing climate and environmental health. His work reflects his commitment to improving both human and planetary health.

Jeff said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this honorary doctorate – it came as a real surprise when I received the message. Looking back at these 13 years of collaboration with the University of Brighton, I realised how much work we have done together and how useful it has been for an organisation like Doctors Without Borders to not only apply the wastewater treatment method that was developed during many emergencies and share it with other humanitarian organisations, but also to get the expert support when needed. This was provided by the research team, namely Professor Huw Taylor, who unfortunately left us in 2017, Professor James Ebdon and Dr. Diogo Gomes Da Silva.”

Returning to inspire the next generation of Brighton students, alumni physiotherapist Stephanie Mansell will be delivering the keynote address. Now a specialist in respiratory care at the Royal Free Hospital, Stephanie has made a significant impact in her field, including developing the award-winning ONCALLBuddy app – a pioneering quick-reference tool for respiratory conditions, assessments, and treatments. She will share her journey from student to healthcare professional, offering valuable insights and practical advice for those looking to follow in her footsteps or carve their own path.