Honorary Graduates 2017 – nominations now open!

Each year the University seeks to honour people through the award of Honorary Degrees to not only provide inspiration to those that are graduating but to also provide a basis for the development of a lasting relationship with the University.

Previous Honorary Graduates include individuals that have made a significant national or international contribution within their field, and those that have made an impact on the local community and to the region.

For 2015-16, our Honorary Graduates included founder of Children’s Hospice South West - Edward Farwell MBE, Olympic athlete, Jo Pavey MBE, and BAFTA award-winning British playwright and Exeter alumni, Abi Morgan.

The University has also awarded Honorary Degrees to notable public figures including naturalist, Sir David Attenborough, late comedian Rik Mayall and broadcaster, Jonathon Dimbleby. You can listen to the speeches from all previous ceremonies on the Honorary Graduates website.

Professor Sir Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted to announce the opening of the Honorary Graduate nominations for 2017. These awards are a fantastic opportunity for the University to recognise the outstanding achievements of influential individuals that have been nominated by our staff, and with whom we hope to have a lasting relationship as the University flourishes.

"I would encourage everyone to think about who they want to nominate and why. Discuss and debate with colleagues who has made an outstanding contribution in the past year and put forward suggestions for consideration. Everyone should get involved”.

Nominations are open until Friday 8 April 2016. Staff who would like to recommend an individual for an Honorary Degree can find the eligibility criteria for candidates and the nominations form on the Honorary Graduates website.