Today is the first of three days of Graduation celebrations for University of West London (UWL) students at the legendary Twickenham Stadium – home of the England rugby team. There will be nine ceremonies featuring thousands of graduands, 13 honorary degrees and many smiles, hugs, and handshakes.

All the UWL students’ 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 thirteen inspiring figures from the community with honorary degrees in recognition of their achievements. Today’s recipients are:

President and CEO of Marriott International Anthony Capuano (Honorary Doctor of Letters) who presides over the world’s largest hospitality company and some of the most iconic brands in travel – nearly 8,900 properties across 141 countries and territories and over 30 brands. He has devoted his professional life to the industry, and his passion for it is infectious and motivating to students at the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism.

Founder of the Tech Start apprenticeship programme Sam Liu (Honorary Doctor of Business Administration), launched to ensure local young people, whatever their background, could access opportunities. He shares UWL’s passion for inclusion and social mobility and is in discussion with the Claude Littner Business School about students accessing alternative placement opportunities.

Senior Manager at NatWest Chris Gallant (Honorary Doctor of Business Administration) who leads an engagement programme with over 8,000 colleagues across frontline teams. Since 2021, Chris has been actively supporting Claude Littner Business School students through industry and career talks, mentoring, and facilitating industry visits.

Chancellor of UWL Laurence Geller CBE was the first to congratulate today’s graduands on their achievements:

“Not only do you represent the brightest and the best in our society, but you are the future of this nation. On behalf of all of us at UWL, please know that we could not be prouder of your achievements that have resulted from your hard work, persistence, and sacrifice and that of your friends and family.”

Professor Peter John CBE, Vice-Chancellor, and President of UWL, encouraged the graduands to thank all those who had been instrumental in their success.

He also talked about how the University has expanded recently:

“This year we have opened our School of Medicine and Biosciences, the Hellenic Institute of Maritime Studies, our new Digital Futures Lab which will research Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning and digitalisation, and we will also open our E-Sports and E-Sports event courses.”

Speaking to the graduands he said, “Please become the creators of your own future, you can do it and my best wishes are with you all on that journey.”