University news
A celebration of diversity at Winter Graduation
By: Stephanie Allen
Last updated: Tuesday, 21 January 2020
More than 3500 degrees and diplomas will be awarded at the University of Sussex’s Winter Graduation ceremonies this week (Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd January).
Students from 43 different nationalities ranging from 21 to 76 years old, will be celebrating their achievements, mainly at Masters and PhD level.
Chancellor, actor and comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar OBE will present almost 2,000 students with their certificates in person across six ceremonies at the Brighton Centre.
This year, the ceremonies will also include more than 70 students from the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) as well as those from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS). 257 Masters students will graduate from IDS who, in partnership with the University of Sussex, is ranked number one in the world for Development Studies in the QS World University Rankings.
Professor Adam Tickell, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “At Sussex, we encourage our students to challenge assumptions, be inquisitive and never stop learning, regardless of their age or background.
“All of our graduates should be incredibly proud of what they have achieved during their time with us, both in and outside of their studies. I wish them all the best for the next chapter of their story.”
The University will also award four honorary degrees in recognition of groundbreaking research, public engagement or advocation for important causes. This has been a tradition for the University for more than five decades, as a way to recognize extraordinary achievements and to inspire graduating students.
Those who will be receiving awards at Winter Graduation include:
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Professor Kent Berridge, one of the world’s most renowned neuroscientists whose work explores how sensations of pleasure and desire are generated in the brain
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Professor Gail Cardew, an internationally recognized expert in the public engagement of science
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Alan Milburn, former Labour cabinet minister and champion for social mobility and widening participation
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Professor Naila Kabeer, a feminist economist who has spent her career trying to understand social change from the perspectives of individuals and groups on the margins of society in South Asia