WEMBLEY Stadium hosted more than 1,700 excited graduates from the University of West London last week.

The students received an inspiring speech from Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter John, who reminded them that UWL’s graduate recruitment rate is the best in London, at their graduation ceremonies on July 20-21.

He also looked to the future, discussing the building of a new sport and leisure facility and an enterprise hub.

The University’s Chancellor and alumnus Laurence Geller also inspired students using examples from his own career to demonstrate how to achieve success.

After the ceremonies graduates were able to go into the stadium itself for pictures and enjoyed a champagne reception along with their teachers and lecturers.

Friends and families congratulated graduates and took selfies, which were shared on the social media wall broadcast on the screens around the stadium.

The university’s July 2016 honorary award recipients were:

  • Lord Daniel Finkelstein, Associate Editor at The Times and member of the House of Lords – awarded Honorary Doctor of Law (Hon LLD)
  • Katrin ‘Kay’ Fitzherbert, creator of the Pyramid programme – awarded Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt)
  • Trish Knight, Health Education and Workforce Adviser – awarded Honorary Master of Science (Hon MSc)
  • Professor Jeremy Levy, Consultant Nephrologist, Clinical Lead for Health Education England North West London – awarded Honorary Doctor of Science (Hon DSc)
  • Lord John Lytton, Chartered Surveyor, Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Professional Engineers and member of the House of Lords – awarded Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt)
  • Rami Ranger, Chairman Sun Mark Ltd and Sea, Air and Land Forwarding – awarded Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt)
  • Frank Renton, Musician, Broadcaster and Principal Conductor, British Concert Orchestra – awarded Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt)
  • Dr Bert van Walbeek, Hotelier – awarded Honorary Doctor of Letters (Hon DLitt)

The graduation ceremony marks the end of the academic year for the university, where 96% of students are in employment or further education within six months of graduating.

Each of the university’s eight schools confer honorary degrees to recognise business success, contributions to civic and cultural life and long-term support for the university’s work.