NEARLY 1,000 UWL graduates have been awarded their degrees in the presence of family and friends in two days of celebration at UWL’s winter graduation ceremonies, held in Weston Hall on the university’s Ealing campus.

Honorary degrees were also conferred on five accomplished individuals from a range of fields, including campaigner and life peer Baroness Lawrence of Clarendon and the Chief Executive of Heathrow Airport, John Holland-Kaye.

Baroness Lawrence received her award for her services to community relations and tireless efforts to reform the justice system since the murder of her son Stephen in 1993.

John Holland-Kaye, was recognised for his long-standing support for UWL and maintaining Heathrow’s close relationship with the university. 

UWL also awarded honorary degrees to community champion Mike Smith-Clare, forensic investigator Dr Karl Harrison and Patricia Jefferies, who has dedicated her life to caring for terminally ill patients.

Students graduated from the eight schools and colleges comprising UWL: London College of Music, School of Human and Social Sciences, the Claude Littner Business School, School of Law and Criminology, London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism, London School of Film, Media and Design, the School of Computing and Engineering and the College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare.

The ceremonies are the highlight of an outstanding year for UWL, which has leapt 28 places to No. 56 in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.