Today is the first of three days of Graduation celebrations for University of West London (UWL) students at the legendary Allianz Stadium, Twickenham – home of the England rugby team. There will be a total of nine ceremonies featuring thousands of graduands and many smiles, hugs, and handshakes.
The ceremonies happening today were for students at UWL’s Claude Littner Business School and The Institute for Policing Studies and their many partner institutions from across the world. All their projects, dissertations, course work, revision and exams will have paid off as they collect their well-earned awards and celebrate their achievements with family and friends.
Across the three days, the University will also present a total of eleven inspiring figures from the community with honorary degrees in recognition of their achievements. Today’s recipients are:
Market Area Director in North London for Sytner Mercedes-Benz Trevor Webb who has actively supported UWL students to get real-world experience during their studies. He has provided placements and work experience opportunities and is a regular guest speaker on campus. He has helped mentor students in their career development and was one of the first employers to sponsor the UWL Fresh Minds for Business student-led consultancy programme.
Deputy Chair of UWL’s Board of Governors and Chair of the Finance and Remuneration Committee Shirley Cameron who has given more than 10 years’ time and commitment to UWL. Director of Revenue and Customer Management at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Shirley’s experience as a chartered accountant and treasurer has been invaluable to the University.
Governor of UWL Jonathan Lawrence who is an independent consultant and strategy advisor after an extensive international career in global manufacturing and technical business services. With a strong belief in the transformational power of education, Jonathan chairs the Workforce Advisory Committee, serves on the Further Education and Apprenticeships Board and is a Trustee of Ruskin College, Oxford.
CEO of the London Policing College Parm Sandhu who leads initiatives to shape the future of UK policing through leadership development, strategic training, and policy reform. An inspiration to UWL’s Institute for Policing Studies graduates and an advocate for women and under-represented groups, Parm is the only non-white female to have been promoted through the ranks from constable to chief superintendent in the Met’s entire history.
Vice-Chancellor and President of UWL Professor Peter John CBE encouraged the graduands to thank their families and friends and all those who had been instrumental in their success.
He also talked about some of the University’s future plans:
“We are going to open our first School of Dentistry and School of Pharmacy in September 2026,” he said. “We have also won the contract to train pilots for Emirates, Fly Dubai, Air Arabia and Ryanair.”
Speaking to the graduands he said, “Congratulations on your hard work, commitment and achievements. Enjoy the day. Make the most of it. And good luck in everything you do in the future.”
