"Cut through the noise and apply your talent where it matters," President Alice Gast tells Imperial College London's newest graduates

Over 2,200 undergraduate students will receive their degrees at the Royal Albert Hall today during Imperial’s Commemoration Day ceremonies.

Across three ceremonies, students’ achievements will be celebrated in front of more than 8,300 guests.

Congratulating the students President Gast urges them to: "Distinguish the genuine from the false, the lasting from the ephemeral, and the important from the trivial. You will need to find the signal amid the noise.

“You have learned to be analytical, critical thinkers. You have learned not take things at face value, but to question, to challenge and to investigate. Believe in your capabilities and use your talents for the benefit of society.” 

Honorary Degrees

During the ceremonies the College will confer honorary degrees on the following people:

Sir John Armitt, Chairman of City & Guilds Group and the National Express Group and former Chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, receives an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science (Engineering) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to engineering and construction.

Sir Michael Dixon, Director of the Natural History Museum, receives an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the public understanding of science.

Professor Dame Julia Higgins, Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London, receives an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Chemical Engineering. 

Imperial College Medals

Friends and staff of the College who receive an Imperial College Medal, awarded for meritorious or praiseworthy service to Imperial or for having otherwise enhanced its reputation, mission and objectives, include:

Professor Lionel Lee, Executive Vice-Dean (Administration) at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine in Singapore, recognising his outstanding contribution to the establishment of the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine and to collaboration with Imperial College

Mrs Julia Anderson, Departmental Manager in the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial,  in recognition of the contribution she has made to the life and work of Imperial College

Professor Mino Green, Emeritus Professor of the Science of Electrical Devices, recognising the contribution he has made to the life and work of Imperial College.

Ms Mandy Thorpe, Director of the College’s Central Biomedical Services, in recognition of the contribution she has made to the life and work of Imperial College

Student Award

As well as celebrating academic accomplishments, a Student Award for Outstanding Achievement will be presented to graduating student Henrik Hagemann. The Award recognises Henrik’s many extramural activities, including his role in a project to design a custom-made bicycle for a Paralympian cyclist, as well as being co-founder of both a start-up company and a student charitable programme.

President's Medals

President’s Medals for Outstanding Contribution to Teaching Excellence will be presented to Ms Giskin Day, Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication; Professor Jonathan Mestel, Department of Mathematics; Dr Jane Saffell, Department of Medicine; and Dr Amir Sam, School of Medicine.

President’s Medals for Excellence in Pastoral Care will be awarded to Dr Laura Barter, Department of Chemistry; and Dr Sharon Taylor, Department of Medicine.

President’s Medals for Supporting the Student Experience will be awarded to Ms Laura Bulmer, International Relations Office; and Ms Laura McConnell, Graduate School.