Graduation season returns to ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ this week with hundreds of students celebrating the end of their studies. As well as holding ceremonies for the graduates of 2023, Cranfield has invited graduates of 2021 back to campus with their family and friends to formally mark their achievements.

The University’s Chancellor Dame Deirdre Hutton will preside over the ceremonies with Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Holford CBE FREng.

Alongside over 1,600 graduates attending in person, over 200 graduates celebrate their achievement remotely, with participants joining from across the world.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Holford CBE FREng said: “These ceremonies are such an important part of the Cranfield experience, and I am delighted to see our graduates from 2023 and from 2021 returning to campus to reconnect and celebrate together. Congratulations to each and every Cranfield graduate – you make us all proud.”

Honorary Graduates 2023

Honorary degrees will be awarded to leaders in engineering, technology, business and environment:

  • Professor Rosie Hails MBE FRSB, Nature and Science Director at the National Trust

  • Andrew Haines, Chief Executive, Network Rail and Great British Railways Transition Lead

  • Dr Hayaatun Sillem CBE, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Academy of Engineering and Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering Foundation

  • Grenville Turner, property and technology entrepreneur

  • Lieutenant General Tom Copinger-Symes CBE, Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command, UK Defence

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ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ Cranfield’s students and graduates

Over half of Cranfield’s students come from outside the UK, giving the University a uniquely global community. 48% of Cranfield’s students are over 30 years of age, and the staff-to-student ratio of 8:1 – the best of any UK university - creates a mature and hands-on educational experience.

Cranfield’s alumni network includes over 70,000 people based in over 170 countries across the world. Notable alumni include Lord Karan Billimoria, founder of Cobra Beer Ltd, Warren East CBE, former Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce, Sarah Willingham, prominent entrepreneur and Angus Thirlwell, CEO and Co-Founder of Hotel Chocolat.