Bedfordshire’s summer graduations, which will conclude today (Friday) with the installation of the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, as the University’s new Chancellor, have seen over 3,500 students graduate at ceremonies in Bedford and Luton.

Taking place at Putteridge Bury yesterday (Thursday 24 July) and Luton’s St Mary’s Church today, the four Business School ceremonies saw both undergraduates and postgraduates honoured, with the courses recognised ranging from Business Studies and Accounting to Marketing Communications and Public Relations.

Alongside the graduates receiving their degrees was Guest of Honour, Mark Newton, Assistant Chief Constable with British Transport Police – who once studied at Bedfordshire.

Addressing the graduates Mark said: “I’m delighted to be back here at the University. I’m a proud graduate of this Business School, and to this day I still utilise the skills I developed at Bedfordshire.

“I recognise that not one of you would have attained your degrees today without sacrifice. To continue to study when things get difficult requires application and dedication – the qualities we as employers value strongly.

“You have the potential to be influential leaders in the future.”

Further highlights of the ceremonies included the presentation of special prize awards to some of the highest achieving students in the Business School, with Luton resident Adam Mullen scooping the Dean’s Prize for Marketing.

Dr Gordon Mellor, Acting Executive Dean of the Business School, added: “Adam is a man of great talent and modesty.

“What you want in a student is ability, application and enthusiasm. When this is combined with a person who can work effectively and supportively with their peers, then you have something special. Adam has these qualities in abundance.”

Other Business School prizes included the J E Cule Prize, with winner Nicole Pidgeon completing a full-time Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management while raising a family of four children aged one to six.