Gearing up for graduation

In a series of special ceremonies taking place in the heart of the city's Cultural Quarter, talented graduates from a range of disciplines bid farewell to university as they begin exciting journeys in their chosen fields.

Taking place Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 July 2024, Solent welcomed graduates - as well as cadets who passed out from Warsash Maritime School - to Southampton Guildhall to join their peers, family members, and friends to celebrate their academic successes.

From fashion and illustration, law and business, to nursing and criminology, computer science and journalism - plus many more in between - Solent University is proud to showcase a diverse community of graduate talent.

Solent's 2024 graduation ceremonies were presided over by University Chancellor, Theo Paphitis, Chair of the Board of Governors, Phil Cotton - his final ceremony as outgoing chair following the appointment of Richard Smith - and Vice-Chancellor, Professor James Knowles. Professor Knowles said:

“We are proud to be coming together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our graduating students. Graduation is the highlight of the academic year, as students reflect on their time at university alongside their friends and family and look ahead to the opportunities that await them.    

"Graduation is an opportunity to highlight the skills, experience and knowledge our students have gained during their time at Solent, and I look forward to watching them flourish in their chosen careers. We have a large, thriving alumni community at Solent, and I am proud to now welcome 2,500 more talented graduates to it."

During Solent’s graduation ceremonies, individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to their field were awarded Honorary Degrees. The 2024 recipients are: 

• Peter Markey, Chief Marketing Officer for Boots, received an honorary degree of Doctor of Business
• Prakriti Malhotra, a leader and advocate for education and community action, was awarded an honorary fellowship
• Arvind Malhotra, Co-Founder and CEO of FutureSense Group, was awarded an honorary fellowship
• Agnes Agyepong, Founder and CEO of Global Child and Maternal Health, received an honorary Doctor of Business.
• June Sarpong OBE, a broadcaster and inclusion leader, became an honorary Doctor of Media.
• Carol Massay, Strategic Customer Relationship Director for Access Construction, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Business
• Paul Woodman, City Life Church Leader and Solent alumnus, received an honorary fellowship
• John Dodd, Director of Maritime Safety Services at Inmarsat, became an honorary Doctor of Maritime Studies