Over 2000 students gathered at the Royal Festival Hall for the 2024 graduation to celebrate their hard work and achievements. Roehampton was thrilled to be awarding Janet Cooper OBE her fellowship, and Geoff Barton and Paterson Joseph honorary degrees.
A total of seven ceremonies took place over two days, honouring graduates from all programmes, at all levels, including those from our partner institutions. Alongside students receiving their degrees, honorary degrees were awarded to Paterson Joseph and Geoff Barton, both receiving a Doctor of Letters.
Paterson Joseph is known in the fields of performing arts, literature and history. He is a highly acclaimed actor of British stage and screen, recently starring in WONKA alongside Timothee Chalamet. His novel The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho was the winner of the Royal Society of Literature’s 2023 Christopher Blan Prize. Paterson is recognised for his commitment to the power of education and the arts to transform lives. In an interview with Paterson, he explained what receiving the award meant to him: “this award means everything to me, it feels that all the work I have done, has been recognised.”
Geoff Barton has devoted his career to education, holding the post of General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, a trade union representing more than 25,000 educational leaders from all types of schools and colleges across the United Kingdom. Geoff is a significant figure in the world of education and a strong advocate for teachers and school leaders. Geoff’s advice to graduates is “to go out there, leave a dent in the universe and change the world because we need more kindness and more people learning from each other.”
Janet Cooper OBE was awarded the fellowship for her long-term contributions to Roehampton. Janet has been involved with the University since 2008, currently holding the position of Vice-Chair of the Council and Chair of the University’s Remuneration Committee. Appointed an OBE in 2017, Janet was recognised for her services to equality, women's empowerment and employee share ownership.
Congratulations to all our graduates, we wish you all the best for the future.
Stay in touch through the University of Roehampton Alumni Association.