[A] dynamic designer, a leading cancer researcher and medal winning Paralympian will join over 1,000 students at the University of Cumbria’s graduation ceremony at Carlisle Cathedral next week (July 18,19 and 20.)
The centre of Carlisle will be dressed with bunting to celebrate graduation and add to the atmosphere as hundreds of students and their families converge on the city centre to mark their special day.
The students’ achievements cover a wide range of subjects and the ceremonies offer an opportunity to enjoy academic success in the presence of those who have given support throughout years of study.
Three events will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday with two ceremonies to be held on Thursday. On each occasion there will be a formal procession into the Cathedral with staff and graduates in academic robes. Celebratory receptions will take place at the Crown & Mitre Hotel immediately after each ceremony.
At the same time, the university will honour several Honorary Fellows, nominated in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the university and a variety of causes linked to the work of the university.
On Tuesday 18th Morecambe-born Wayne Hemingway MBE and wife Gerardine Hemingway MBE both receive a fellowship in recognition of their work in design and creativity.
Wayne spent a decade on the trustee board of the Design Council and is a writer for architectural and housing publications and together with Gerardine is involved in charity work for Shelter, the Princes Trust and Oxfam.
John M W Grainger MA FCMI, a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute since 1998 and closely linked to large investment projects in Cumbria for two decades, will be honoured for his work to boost Cumbria’s economy.
Val Corbett, whose photographs were used in the successful bid to recognise the Lake District as a World Heritage Site, receives a fellowship for her work as a photographer on Wednesday 19th.
Workington-born Professor Paul Workman FRS FMedSci, chief executive and president of the Institute of Cancer Research, has published over 560 research articles and is rewarded for his lifelong contribution to cancer research.
On Thursday former University of Cumbria student Karen Darke MBE is honoured for her sporting success.
She returns to the university where she gained an MA in Development Training to be recognised for her medal winning success as a Paralympian and as a sought-after speaker able to talk about overcoming adversity.
In the afternoon trustee and chair of the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Trust Roger Francis Adrian Cooke MA MBA is honoured for his lifelong and outstanding contribution to business and the arts as well as his charitable work in Cumbria.
For the first time, an additional award will be made to ‘Alumnus of the Year’.
This award recognises former students who have demonstrated professional success in ways which are consonant with the vision and values of the university.
The first joint recipients of the award are Ian Gilbertson and Louise Kneath-Gilbertson of Cloudscape Studios Ltd. Ian and Louise studied graphic design at the Brampton Road campus in Carlisle and have gone on to develop a highly successful and cutting-edge design studio in the city.
