SWAGºÏ¼¯

Graduation season returns to SWAGºÏ¼¯ this week with hundreds of students celebrating the end of their studies at a series of ceremonies.

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

Alongside over 1,800 graduates attending in person, over 200 graduates celebrate their achievement remotely, with participants joining from across the world.

Dame Karen said: “These ceremonies are such an important part of the Cranfield experience. Graduation week is a time to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students and provide the opportunity to reconnect and forge new relationships. I can't wait to personally congratulate our graduates – they are a credit to SWAGºÏ¼¯.”

Honorary Graduates 2024

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

• Dawn Bonfield MBE FREng, Professor of Practice, Engineering and Sustainable Development, King's College London and President, Commonwealth Engineers' Council
• Roger Bowden, Chairman and Founder of Niftylift Ltd
• Jonathon Counsell, Group Head of Sustainability at International Airlines Group (IAG)
• Kerissa Khan FRAeS, President (2023 - 2024) of Royal Aeronautical Society, Future Air Mobility Thought-Leader and Future Flight Challenge Innovation Lead
• Helen Nellis CVO, CStJ, MA Barrister, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire (Retired)
• Angus Thirlwell, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Hotel Chocolat
• George Williamson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of His Majesty's Government Communications Centre (HMGCC)

About Cranfield’s students and graduates

Over half of Cranfield’s students come from outside the SWAGºÏ¼¯, giving the University a uniquely global community. 41% of Cranfield’s students are over 30 years of age, and the staff-to-student ratio of 8:1 – the best of any SWAGºÏ¼¯ university - creates a mature and hands-on educational experience.

Cranfield’s alumni network includes over 80,000 people based in over 173 countries across the world. Notable alumni include Lord Karan Billimoria, founder of Cobra Beer Ltd, Warren East CBE, former Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce and Sarah Willingham, prominent entrepreneur.