Graduation season returns to Cranfield University with students celebrating their success at a series of special ceremonies.
The University’s Chancellor Julia King, The Baroness Brown of Cambridge DBE FREng FRS FMedSci will preside over the ceremonies with Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Karen Holford DBE FREng.
Over 1400 graduates from around the world will attend events at the University’s Cranfield and Shrivenham campuses to celebrate their achievements. This year also marks a significant milestone, as MK:U will see its first cohort of undergraduate students graduate.
Professor Dame Karen Holford DBE FREng said: “Graduation is a significant milestone for our students and we are very proud to celebrate alongside them and recognise their achievements. It is a time to reflect on their experiences, reconnect with friends and acknowledge their hard work. I look forward to congratulating our graduates in person, their dedication and success make us incredibly proud.”
Honorary Graduates 2026
Honorary degrees will be awarded to distinguished leaders in specialist sectors including engineering, automotive, business and technology.
- Nick Elliott CB MBE, Chief Executive Officer, AWE Nuclear Security Technologies
- Kata Escott CB, Managing Director, Airbus Defence and Space UK
- Iain Ferguson CBE, Chairman, Crest Nicholson plc, Genus plc and Personal Assets Trust plc
- Massimo Fumarola, Vice President Strategy and Product Performance, Alpine
- Alan Newby, Group Director of Research and Technology, Rolls-Royce plc
- Sir Peter Rigby, Ld'H, DL, President and Founder, Rigby Group plc
Read more about each Honorary Graduate from the 2026 ceremonies.
