Between 20 – 23 January, the Class of 2026 had the opportunity to celebrate their achievements alongside family and friends across nine ceremonies held in St Mary’s Church on the Luton Campus.

Students from the Faculties of Education, English & Sport, Creative Arts, Technologies & Science, Health & Social Sciences and the Business School came together to mark the formal end of their studies.

Alongside graduating students, the University also presented a number of Honorary awards to individuals who have made significant contributions within their professions and communities. Among those recognised is Brenda Edwards, who received an Honorary Doctor of Arts in recognition of her outstanding contribution to arts and media. Brenda is widely known for her career as a singer, actress and presenter, including her appearances on ITV’s Loose Women and her success as a runner-up on The X Factor.

Also receiving Honorary awards this year are Rick Rodgers, Founder and Chair of Cheer for Everyone, who received an Honorary Doctor of Sport in recognition of his outstanding contribution to raising disability awareness in sport, and Bilal Farooq, a University of Bedfordshire graduate and Director of local law firm Greystone Solicitors, who was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration in recognition of his outstanding services to entrepreneurship and the Luton community.

Addressing students in his speech, Interim Vice Chancellor, Professor Andrew Church, said: “It really is an honour and a privilege to stand before you today on this momentous day, a day that marks the culmination of all of your hard work and dedication, a day of reflection, anticipation and, above all, celebration.”

He continued: “Yes, the world is changing, and in many ways it needs to change, but you are now in the driving seat to power that change if you choose to do so. No one is better placed to do this than you. As Bedfordshire graduates, you are communicators. You are innovators. You are problem solvers. You are removers of barriers. You are the future and you can all play a part in shaping the future, and the planet in which we, and the generations to come, will live.”

The ceremonies also welcomed Guests of Honour who delivered inspiring addresses to this year’s graduates. These included Robin Porter, Chair of the NHS Integrated Care Boards for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and Hertfordshire and West Essex, alongside Steve Botterill, Director of Resourceful People Group.

Throughout the week, a range of prizes were also awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement. These include the Stephanie O’Kane Memorial Prize, established in memory of a former student and presented annually to a Midwifery student whose innovative practice shows the potential to benefit women and families.