University of Wales 2017 Graduation Celebration

Today, over 300 University of Wales graduates, along with their guests, will attend an event at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff to mark the end of their studies. Scholars from across the globe will attend the graduation celebrations from places around the world, including China, Africa, India and Europe.

The ceremonies will be presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Medwin Hughes DL, and each graduate will be greeted personally by senior officers of the University of Wales. The procession will include representatives from both the University of Wales and our merger partner the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

Each year, the University also awards degrees on an honorary basis to recognise individual achievement in areas of academe such as the arts, literature, science, commerce and industry, professional life and service to the public or to the University. This year we are recognising three individuals:

The Right Rev. Dr Barry Morgan – Doctor of Divinity honoris causa
After serving nearly 14 years at the helm of the Church in Wales, and 24 years as a bishop, on his retirement in January, Dr Barry Morgan was the longest serving Archbishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion and also one of the longest serving bishops. He has made a vast contribution to Welsh life and the Church in Wales, championing change, encouraging the establishment of good community relations across the country, and becoming a respected and trusted participant in and commentator on a number of matters affecting the public life of the nation. As Pro-Chancellor of the University of Wales, his support and advice has been invaluable.

The Honourable Mrs Justice Nicola Davies DBE – Doctor of Laws honoris causa
A leader in the Law and breaker of glass ceilings, Dame Nicola’s career has seen her go from a high-profile medical law practice to the high Court. The first Welsh woman to become a Queen’s Counsel, she has gone on to claim this accolade on two more occasions, being the first woman from Wales to be appointed a Justice of the High Court, Queen’s Bench Division, and the first woman to be appointed to the role of Presiding Judge of the Circuit in Wales. Lawyer and advocate, expert in medicine and Judge of the High Court, Dame Nicola is now among one of the most respected jurists of our time.

Mr Hywel Gwynfryn –Master of Arts honoris causa
A familiar face and voice to many in Wales, Hywel Gwynfryn’s career in Broadcasting, in both Welsh and English, has spanned over 50 years. Since joining the BBC in 1964, he has played a significant role in the development of broadcasting in Wales, having presented the Helo Sut Dach Chi? Saturday pop show in the 1960s and 1970s, the first ever Welsh language pop programme on Radio, and the morning show Helo Bobol when the BBC Radio Cymru service started in 1979. Alongside his work in broadcasting, he has also established a popular following as an author, and has been a prolific writer of songs, shows, and pantomimes for television, radio and the theatre. Hywel has been fortunate to travel the world as a broadcaster, introducing new cultures and beliefs and lifestyles to an audience back here in Wales, and has worked tirelessly in promoting Welsh language broadcasting.

The University is delighted to recognise the achievements and contributions that each individual has made in their respective fields, and is very proud to welcome them all as Honorary Graduates of the University of Wales.

Graduates and their guests will stay in and around Cardiff, which will not only provide them with an opportunity to attend the popular events but also to visit the local area and attractions, and thereby boost Welsh tourism and local economy.

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For more information on The University of Wales please visit: www.wales.ac.uk

For press and media information, please contact the University of Wales Communications Team by email – communications@wales.ac.uk