THE spectacular surroundings of the historic Carlisle Cathedral will once again welcome more than 1,000 students for a series of graduation ceremonies for the University of Cumbria.

Thousands of guests are expected to attend across eight ceremonies that are scheduled to take place over three days next week.

On Tuesday, July 18, Mrs Claire Hensman is being awarded an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her lifelong and outstanding contribution to charity, community and service to the Monarchy in Cumbria with the day after seeing West Cumbrian science leader, Professor Graham Wren, being awarded an Honorary Doctorate

Professor Patricia Anne Harriss and Professor Helen James are also being awarded an Honorary Doctorate.

As part of its Towards 2030 vision to build workforce skills, and in a University of Cumbria first, inaugural cohorts of students who have completed degree apprenticeships whilst working on as frontline student paramedics and police officers across England are graduating.

200 paramedic degree apprentices from across the country, including London, are graduating.

They are from seven of the 11 ambulance trusts in England that the university is working with to upskill the workforce and provide more frontline paramedics – a key aim of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan

2023 alumna of the year is nurse Helen Michael, who is originally from rural north Cumbria.

Her impressive healthcare career has included roles delivering specialist health and sexual advice to young people in disadvantaged communities, delivering health care in prisons, as a research nurse for the innovative Salford Lung Study.

The university’s first Police Constable Degree Apprentices and Degree Holder Entry Programme graduates are also set to receive their awards.

The University’s ‘Spirit of Cumbria award celebrates current graduands who exemplify the university’s values in being progressive, personal, and engaged, and who are exceptional role models in and outside of the university.

Law graduand Lizzie Molloy is being recognised for her tenacity and dedication to her education and studies, including her service as a student representative, Law Society President, her fundraising and organisational activities, and how she has contributed to the life, vibrancy and growth of the university’s Law School throughout her studies.