Over two thousand students will graduate and the achievements of four individuals will be recognised by means of honorary degrees.

Published (Updated )

City’s latest graduation ceremonies, held at the end of January, will see more than two thousand students graduate and the achievements of four individuals will be recognised by means of honorary degrees.

The three days of ceremonies, held at the Barbican Centre in the heart of the City of London, are a chance to celebrate the achievements of students graduating from all five of City’s Schools.

During the week, City will award honorary degrees to four esteemed individuals: the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Dr Andrew Parmley; Professor Paul Embrechts; Air Vice-Marshal Lindsay Irvine; and Caroline Alexander.

The Lord Mayor of London is also the Rector of City, University of London. Every year a new Lord Mayor is elected and installed as Rector of City. Dr Parmley took office in November 2016. He has had an esteemed career in business and education, is an advocate for apprenticeships, an ambassador for the London Symphony Orchestra and the Principal of a West London School. He became an Alderman in 2001. At the graduation ceremonies on Monday, Dr Parmley will receive an honorary doctorate in Law.

Professor Paul Embrechts will receive an honorary doctorate on Tuesday in recognition of his outstanding leadership, pioneering research and contribution to higher education. Professor Embrechts is a Professor of Mathematics at ETH Zurich and has an international reputation for mathematical actuarial research. He has authored hundreds of scientific articles on the field and has used his influence to change the way the financial industry manages risk.

On Wednesday, Air Vice-Marshal Lindsay Irvine CB RAF will receive an honorary degree. Air Vice-Marshal Irvine is Director of Legal Services for the Royal Air Force and Head of the RAF Legal Branch. He completed a Diploma in Law at the Inns of Court School of Law (now City Law School) before being called to the Bar in 1983. He will be recognised for his outstanding contribution to the legal profession and to City, University of London.

Caroline Alexander will receive an honorary degree in recognition of her contributions to the nursing profession. She is Chief Nurse at St Barts Health NHS Trust after a successful period as Chief Nurse for London. During her 30 year career she has had a major positive impact on the nursing profession and in 2015 was named on the Nursing Times Leaders list.

Six students have been chosen to speak during the graduation ceremonies. They will reflect on their time at City and the support they have received.

Professor Sir Paul Curran, President of City said:

"Graduation is a highlight of the academic year and an extremely proud time for City. It is a chance for students to celebrate their achievements as their hard work comes to fruition with the award of their degrees. It is also a great pleasure to award honorary degrees to those who have excelled in their fields and are role models for our students. I would like to congratulate those graduating this week and extend a warm welcome to our honorary graduates."

You can watch the ceremonies online and follow the action on City’s official social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Don’t forget to share your pictures and memories, using the hashtag #CityGrad.