Well known faces join the class of 2025

An event all students look forward to during the hard times of university life.

With the event taking over the city, Winchester was alive with the caps and gowns from the class of 2025. 

Celebrating the hard work from years of study, friends and family joined the graduates to fill the cathedral with pride and cheers. 

Over four days, 2000 students received their awards, but it wasn’t just those who have been studying that were celebrating. 

Honorary graduates were welcomed among the ceremonies to celebrate their work they do. 

From broadcasting, healthcare, literature, and education to justice, people from all of these fields were recognised with honorary doctorates and fellowships. 

Dame Jane Cummings, Dr Liz O’Riordan, and Rev’d Steve Chaulke all received honarary doctorates.

Katie Piper who was born in Winchester returned and spoke to students and gave them inspiring words that “..it’s ok to be a work in progress” words for not only students to listen to, but all attendees. 

David Nicholls, a best-selling author who grew up in Eastleigh joined the group of honorary fellows along with, Sian Serles and Sophie Liardet, the founders of Winchester Books Festival, Lizzie Dunford, the Director of Jane Austen’s house in Chawton, Her Honour Judge Angela Morris, the recorder of Winchester, and Vanessa Amberleigh, a BAFA winning children’s TV writer and producer. 

Adventurer Jordan Wylie was also among those to receive an honorary fellowship, I asked him what advice he would give the class of 2025.

“A. Its about having the right attitude whatever life throws at you, wherever you go in the world. B. Is for building relationships, make friends wherever you go. Learn from people. C. Is about continuing to learn, its about continuing professional development.”

He described his award as a huge privilege and gave his rule of the ABC’s he lives by as words of wisdom for students. 

Students left the ceremony with not just their awards in hand but new words of encouragement to take them through the wider world of work. 

Families were bought together to celebrate, leaving the city awash with love and pride, felt by all.