The graduands from the University of Bedfordshire Business School, Creative Arts, Technologies and Science, Education and Sport and, Health and Social Sciences faculties will receive their awards at St Mary’s Parish Church.

They will be joined by the Chief Executive of Luton-based engineering group Hayward Tyler, Ewan Lloyd-Baker, who is to receive the honorary award of Doctor of Business Administration in recognition of his achievements in the manufacturing industry.

Mr Lloyd-Baker led the successful turnaround, development and growth of Hayward Tyler. He and his team have also raised more than £10m of funding to support investment in the Luton-based Centre of Excellence

Mr Lloyd-Baker’s colleague Martin Clocherty will also be honoured, with the award of Doctor of Science for his achievements in the manufacturing industry.

Mr Clocherty is General Manager at the Luton headquarters and has played a key role in the company’s continuous improvement programme since 2009.

University Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell said: “Graduation is an important milestone but it is also the beginning of the journey, not the end. It is a day of celebration and recognition and I look forward to welcoming students and guests to the ceremonies.”

Prizes will also be presented to Berlinda Abbey (Most Improved Student), Emilia Zalobka (Best Performing Postgraduate), Wezzie Lukhere (Best Masters Project) and Pavel Balonm (Best Overall Masters).

Guests of Honour are Ruth Dearnley OBE, Chief Executive Officer of growing global movement STOP THE TRAFFIK and Mark Anzani, Vice President for Mainframe Strategy and Ecosystems at IBM.

The ceremony for graduands from the Business School takes place on 17 March at 10.30am. Those from Creative Arts, Technologies and Science and Education and Sport will receive their awards on 17 March at 2pm. The ceremony for Health and Social Sciences will take place on 18 March at 10.30am.