Students and staff set to celebrate winter graduation at Brighton Centre

Graduates aged 19 to 75 will gather with their family and friends cheering them on as they cross the stage of the Brighton Centre to pick up their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Among them is Darine Alem, who came to the UK from Sudan to study MSc Health Promotion and was a recipient of the university's Forward Bound Scholarship which supports applicants from low or lower-middle income countries. The award is intended to support health and other professionals who are employed or volunteer in roles where they can influence health promotion practices and policy in their home countries.

Darine said: “I am excited about graduation not only because it marks the beginning of a whole new chapter for me, but because my friends and family get to celebrate the accomplishments from this very rewarding chapter.

“Coming to the University of Brighton has been an incredibly enriching experience. I have had the opportunity to immerse myself in a diverse and vibrant community. Living in Brighton has allowed me to experience a unique cultural scene and enjoy the beautiful seaside location. Through this scholarship, I have been able to fully immerse myself in the cultural aspects of university life, and it has motivated me to strive for excellence in all areas of my life.”

The ceremonies will also see TV presenter and multi award-winning former editor-in-chief of British ELLE Decoration, Michelle Ogundehin receive an Honorary degree. The world-renowned authority on interior design is the lead judge on BBC Two's Interior Design Masters, and co-presenter of Kevin McCloud's Grand Designs: House of the Year on Channel 4. As a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Michelle served as an Ambassador for Diversity in Public Appointments by the UK Government Equalities Office from 2009 to 2011. She started the 'Equal Rights for Design' campaign which aimed to change the UK’s copyright laws to protect designers from the growing market for fake products.

Michelle Ogundehin Photographer Ben Anders

Michelle said: “To receive an honorary award of Doctor of Arts from the University of Brighton in recognition of my contribution to Interiors, wellbeing, design and style, is humbling. To be seen by such a celebrated seat of learning as being in step with its values, interests and ambitions, an honour indeed. A commitment to learning has been a constant throughout my life, so the opportunity that this award brings to now be welcomed into the membership of the University community, is truly exhilarating.”

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Debra Humphris CBE, said: “Everyone at the University of Brighton is incredibly proud of the achievements of our talented students graduating this week. Their hard work and dedication have brought them to this point, supported by the collective commitment of all our staff to help our students realise their full potential.

“They join a global community of 190,000 alumni in 140 countries who are putting their learning and knowledge to use to create positive change and shape a better future for us all."

The following is the order for the Winter 2024 University of Brighton Graduation Ceremonies:

8 February 2024

10.00am

School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering
School of Education
Learning and Teaching Hub
Partner Colleges

3.15pm

School of Sport and Health Sciences

9 February 2024

10.00am

School of Humanities and Social Science
School of Art and Media

3.15pm

School of Applied Sciences
School of Business and Law