John Bercow is to be installed as Chancellor at the University’s final graduation ceremony of the Summer, on Friday 25 July 2014 at St Mary’s Church in Luton. As Chancellor, Mr Bercow will represent the University on special occasions, confer degrees at graduation ceremonies and preside over meetings of the University Court.

Speaking ahead of his installation John Bercow said: “I’m really looking forward to taking up this role and to playing my part in supporting the University.

“I am impressed by the University’s commitment to developing and nurturing students as employable and entrepreneurial global citizens, its dedication to delivering the best possible student experience and its devotion to widening access to higher education.

“These values are close to my heart.”

As MP for Buckingham, John Bercow is a constituency neighbour of the University’s main campuses in Luton and Bedford, and its newest location, University Campus Milton Keynes.

Commenting on the forthcoming ceremony Bill Rammell, Vice Chancellor, said: “We are really looking forward to welcoming John Bercow into the University of Bedfordshire community. He will be a tremendous ambassador for this University.

“John shares our vision of a world where all are able to benefit from educational experiences that can transform lives.”

The ceremony on 25 July 2014 will be the final graduation event of the Summer. By then, the two weeks of events will have witnessed around 3,500 University of Bedfordshire students celebrate their graduation, at 15 ceremonies held in Luton and Bedford.

Notes to Editors

• Mr Bercow will be available on Friday 25 July 2014 for media interviews about his Chancellorship of the University of Bedfordshire. To request an interview please contact Nick Sheppard, Head of Communications, University of Bedfordshire, nick.sheppard@beds.ac.uk or 07724 241214.
• The graduation ceremony, which will include Mr Bercow’s installation as Chancellor, will take place from 2.30pm to 4pm at St Mary’s Church in Luton. A live feed from inside the Church will be available, through First Sight Media – www.firstsightmedia.co.uk. Please contact Rich Belcher 0800 072 8753 / 07920 798524 RichBelcher@firstsightmedia.co.uk if you wish to receive the material.