Graduates share their big days at Winchester Cathedral with inspiring honorary recipients including:
- Liz Earle, healthy and beauty entrepreneur and broadcaster
- Mina Smallman, campaigner for justice and police reform
- Marie Gentles, education and behaviour specialist
- 3 Dads Walking, bereaved fathers who raised awareness of suicide prevention
The University of Winchester’s Class of 2026 received a memorable send-off during 11 graduation ceremonies held in Winchester Cathedral between 21 and 24 October.
Around 8,000 graduates, guests and staff attended the celebrations, which recognised student achievement and the contributions of several distinguished honorary graduates and fellows.
Opening proceedings, Pro Chancellor Major General Alistair Bruce reminded graduates that the cathedral had witnessed more than 1,000 years of history, telling them: “You are now part of that history.”
The first ceremony saw an Honorary Doctorate awarded to Mina Smallman. A former teacher and the Church of England’s first Black female archdeacon, Mina became a prominent campaigner after the murder of her daughters in 2020.
Her advocacy exposed police failings after officers shared photographs from the crime scene and has since focused on women’s safety, police reform and social justice.
Addressing graduates as the leaders of the future, she urged them to think about those they serve, asking: “Am I doing this job for the money or prestige or because I want to be part of a society that cares for all?”
Later that day, honorary fellowships were awarded to Andy Airey MBE, Mike Palmer MBE and Tim Owen MBE, known collectively as Three Dads Walking.
After each lost a daughter to suicide, the trio joined forces to raise awareness of youth mental health and suicide prevention. Their campaigning has raised £1.5 million and helped bring suicide prevention education into England’s school curriculum.
Speaking to graduates, Mike Palmer said: “You are the future and we need to work harder to equip you with lifesaving skills.” He added: “Believe it or not, you are precious and people do care.”
Day two featured an Honorary Doctorate for beauty entrepreneur, author, broadcaster and health campaigner Liz Earle.
Co-founder of the Liz Earle Beauty skincare brand, she has also written more than 35 books, presented television programmes and become a leading voice on wellbeing and healthy ageing. In her address, she urged graduates to remain curious and use their voices to create positive change.
“Use your voice,” she said. “Sometimes making a difference starts with asking a question that no-one else has asked.”
An honorary fellowship was also awarded to Amelia Riviere in recognition of her service to the criminal justice system and public life. Following a career in the City of London, Amelia became a magistrate, prison monitor and charity trustee.
As High Sheriff of Hampshire in 2023/24, she championed volunteering, community safety and the rule of law. Describing the justice system as “a jewel which we ignore and underfeed at our peril”, she encouraged graduates to become advocates for a sector she believes is often overlooked but vital to society.
University Chancellor and comedian Hugh Dennis attended ceremonies on days three and four. Addressing graduates, he encouraged them to use their voices positively, saying: “We all have a voice which we can use for good.”
An Honorary Fellowship on day three went to Venus Madden, a Hong Kong-born occupational therapist, NHS leader and advocate for inclusion, leadership and mental health.
After arriving in the UK at the age of 18, she built a successful healthcare career while championing maternal mental health and health equity. Encouraging graduates to lead change, she told them: “If not you, then who? If not now, then when? Be the change you want to see.”
The final honorary award, an Honorary Doctorate, was presented to education and behaviour specialist Marie Gentles OBE.
An author, broadcaster and former teacher and headteacher, Marie’s work has helped transform the lives of young people and reached a wider audience through BBC documentaries.
Speaking particularly to future teachers, she urged them to be “curious rather than furious” when dealing with challenging behaviour. Emphasising the importance of connection and compassion, she said: “We have all the capacity to make someone feel seen, heard, safe and connected.”
She also shared the advice of her late mother: “Compassion is not something we feel, it is something we do.”
Closing the ceremonies, Interim Vice-Chancellor Dr Angus Padison encouraged graduates to define success for themselves and use their skills to make a difference in the world.
Despite heavy rain during the week, graduates and their families were still able to celebrate together, enjoying refreshments and photos at the Guildhall’s Celebration Zone.
