Two days of graduation ceremonies began today Tuesday 2 December for University of West London students and those from partner institutions at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, home of the England Rugby Team.
The three ceremonies happening today are for students at UWL’s Claude Littner Business School, Centre for the Enhancement in Learning and Teaching, Institute for Policing Studies, School of Law, School of Medicine and Biosciences, School of Computing and Engineering plus many partner institutions from across the world.
All the students’ hard work has paid off as they collect their well-earned awards and celebrate their achievements with family and friends.
Across the two days, the University are presenting a total of ten inspiring figures with honorary degrees in recognition of their achievements. Today’s recipients are:
Chief Executive at Brentford Football Club and lifelong ‘Bees’ supporter, Jon Varney, who has guided the Club through the pandemic, a stadium move and their return to top-flight football in the Premier League. With a track record of working in professional sport, specialising in recent years in commercial partnerships and media rights, he started his working life in the ticket office at The Rugby Football Union in Twickenham.
Rajesh Sinha, Founder and Chairman of Fulcrum Digital, a globally recognised digital transformation and AI engineering services company that has served 1,000+ clients, delivered 4,500+ projects, and grown to 1,500+ employees across the US, UK, Europe, Argentina, Brazil, and India. Rajesh is a visionary entrepreneur driven by the belief that technology can be a force for positive change.
Helen Pigeon, who attained her LLB (Hons) degree from the University of West London, then Thames Valley University, in 1990. Following a successful career in large city firms, she established her own, Helen Pidgeon Solicitors, in 2011, which not only serves local London and UK clients but has a large international client base with a particular interest in cases that involve a US/UK element.
Professor of Laryngology at UCL, Martin Birchall, who is also a Consultant in Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) surgery at the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospital. He is a world-leading academic otolaryngologist and a specialist in disorders of voice, swallowing and breathing. He has pioneered the use of transplantation, tissue engineering and soft robots in surgery.
Steve Ashman, who joined the Metropolitan Police in 1987. After transferring to Cleveland on promotion to Superintendent, he rose up the ranks to become the youngest ever Chief Constable of Northumbria Police. Since leaving full-time policing, Steve has worked in the Middle East advising and assessing in a law enforcement environment. He owns a private company that delivers training and assessment to many UK police forces and Higher Education Institutions.
CEO of the Universities and Colleges Information Systems Association (UCISA), Deborah Green, a qualified Solicitor with over 35 years of board level experience in the public and voluntary sectors as well as international experience. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a keen advocate for women in technology and has championed diversity in the sector.
Opening the graduation ceremonies, Pro Chancellor Jennifer Bernard commended the graduands on their years of hard work and staying power:
“The world certainly needs people like you who can change things for the better. Congratulations for everything you have achieved so far and enjoy the rest of this ceremony and your celebrations later today.”
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Peter John CBE encouraged the graduands to thank all those who had been instrumental in their success. He also shared some of the University’s recent achievements and future plans:
“We have opened a School of Medicine and Biosciences and in September 2026 will open our first School of Dentistry alongside a new School of Pharmacy in 2027.”
