The University of Roehampton celebrated its 2025 graduation ceremonies at the Royal Festival Hall on Tuesday, 16 September, and Wednesday, 17 September 2025, where Sir Trevor McDonald OBE received his eighth honorary degree. Joining him as honorees were Olympian javelin champion Fatima Whitbread MBE and Professor Paul Washington Miller.
Over two days, more than 2,000 students crossed the stage, joined by families and staff in ceremonies that highlighted both personal milestones and the University’s strengths in subjects including business, education, media, life and health sciences, allied health, psychology, humanities and computing.
Sir Trevor McDonald OBE, one of Britain’s most distinguished journalists, was honoured for his lifetime of service to broadcasting. From becoming ITN’s first Black reporter to anchoring News at Ten and producing award-winning documentaries, he has shaped public understanding of world events for more than five decades.
Speaking ahead of the event, Sir Trevor said: “In a world of deepfakes, disinformation and shrinking newsrooms, journalism has never mattered more. Roehampton is equipping its students with the integrity and skills to tell stories that hold power to account – and that’s something worth celebrating.”
His recognition at Roehampton underlines the University’s commitment to journalism education, with accredited courses preparing students to navigate an industry reshaped by AI, digital disruption and questions of trust.
World champion and Olympic medallist Fatima Whitbread MBE was honoured, recognising both her extraordinary career and advocacy for young people in care. Reflecting on her journey, she said: “When I was competing, sports science was in its infancy. Today’s athletes benefit from an advanced understanding of psychology and physiology, but one thing remains the same – success takes determination, resilience and strength of character. Those qualities are just as important for graduates stepping into the world.”
Fatima added, 'Growing up in care, I learned early on that adversity can either hold you back or help you grow stronger. Sport became my saviour, my passion, and ultimately my platform. The lesson that I carry is that determination and courage can turn hardship into opportunity — and that each of us can make a difference in the lives of others'.
Professor Paul Miller, PhD, LLM, MBA, is a Jamaican-born British academic and leading voice on educational leadership and social justice. As CEO and Principal of the Institute for Equity University Centre and former AdvanceHE Strategic Adviser for Race, Culture and Leadership, he has shaped policy in the UK and Jamaica.
Entrepreneur and football coach Humphrey Aghoghovbia Jr, a 2015 Roehampton graduate, and theatre producer Chuchu Nwaga, who graduated in 2017, both returned as alumni speakers. Humphrey, founder of LionHeart Football and winner of Roehampton’s LaunchPad competition, has built a business supporting young football talent while mentoring current students. Chuchu, founder of Chuchu Nwagu Productions, has produced major shows including The Wiz, Dreamgirls, Get Up, Stand Up!, and the Broadway revival of Death of a Salesman, and was named one of The Stage’s 100 Rising Stars for 2023. Both exemplify Roehampton’s commitment to practical learning and alumni engagement, showing how enterprise competitions, mentorship and career support empower graduates to make their mark long after they leave the university.
Humphrey said: “What I learned here at Roehampton gave me the confidence to build my own business. It will be an honour to return as an alumni speaker and celebrate the next generation of graduates – and I have huge respect for Fatima’s achievements, which inspire me in my own work with young players.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Jean-Noël Ezingeard said: “Graduation is a celebration of hard work, resilience and ambition. Honoring figures like Sir Trevor McDonald, Fatima Whitbread and Paul Miller reflects the values we hope our graduates will take into their futures – integrity, perseverance and leadership.”