Graduates sparkle at Winter degree ceremonies

Special guests will be Honorary Graduands Don Boyd, film director, and Karen Armstrong, religious affairs commentator. The Ibrahim Ahmed Foundation will be inducted into the University’s College of Benefactors.

Don Boyd is a Scottish film director, producer and screenwriter and is being honoured in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the film industry. His first feature film was Intimate Reflections in 1974, and in 1977 he established his own production company, Boyd’s Co, producing the work of talented UK directors including Alan Clarke and Derek Jarman. He has been nominated for a BAFTA for documentaries. He is a visiting Professor in Film Studies at the University of Exeter and a Governor of the London Film School.

Also receiving an Honorary Doctorate of Laws is Karen Armstrong, in recognition of her contribution as a leading thinker and commentator of religious ideas. Her numerous books on religious affairs have been translated into forty languages. She has addressed US congress and the UN’s first session on religion. She now regularly appears on radio and television to comment on religious affairs in England and the United States and is a regular columnist for the Guardian newspaper.

The afternoon degree ceremony will include an induction into the University’s College of Benefactors. The Ibrahim Ahmed Foundation, named after the Kurdish writer, poet and politician, is a major supporter of Kurdish Studies at the University. Exeter is the leading centre of research in Kurdish Studies in the UK, and one of the global centres of excellence in the field. The Foundation, a UK based charitable organisation, has enabled the expansion of the Centre for Kurdish Studies’ staff base, research and teaching activities and assisted several Exeter students financially with their PhDs. The Foundation will be represented at the ceremony by Shanaz Ahmed, daughter of Ibrahim Ahmed, who runs it with her sister.

Dr Floella Benjamin OBE, Chancellor of the University of Exeter says: “It is always a pleasure to award degrees and celebrate the hard work and achievements of graduands. In addition, giving honorary degrees sets up a lasting partnership with people with whom the University is proud to have an association.”

Graduation ceremonies are taking place in the Great Hall, University of Exeter, at 10am and 2.30pm on Saturday 17 January. 1060 degrees are being awarded.

A live webcast of the ceremonies will be available from our Graduation Ceremonies website.