Excited students from the University’s Business School gathered at ceremonies at the Putteridge Bury and Luton campuses to shake hands with the Vice Chancellor in front of delighted family and friends.

They were joined by Sky News newsreader Stephen Dixon, who collected an Honorary Doctor of Arts award for his outstanding services to broadcast media.

He told the graduates: “I am very fortunate to have a job and career that I enjoy. The excitement and challenge for me began at university and it shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. It inspired me to never give up and to stay true to my hopes. Focus on the person you want and the professional you want to be.”

The last ceremony saw the University’s senior leadership team, along with local dignitaries, walk in procession through Luton town centre to St Mary’s Church in Park Square, where students and their families had gathered.

Graduates were also joined by the University’s Chancellor the Rt Hon John Bercow MP, who encouraged them not let future challenges get in the way of their success, saying: “Obstacles are sent to try us but if you have a clear sense of what it is you want to do and you apply yourself, you will succeed, and be a stronger person as a result.”

The University’s Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell told the graduates: “Think about the journey you have been on and resolve, here, today, never to stop learning. Never lose that curiosity, resilience and persistence that enabled you to achieve your degrees.

“If we have done our job right, you will be ready and eager to take the opportunities the world offers you to learn and grow, in the workplace, at home and in civil society.”