Celebrating success at University of Cumbria graduations
Over 1,000 students are celebrating this week the completion of their undergraduate degrees and postgraduate studies in a range of academic fields.
Three days of graduation ceremonies are taking place from 25–27 November celebrating student achievement, university awards and honorary conferments.
Those who have studied at the university’s campuses in Carlisle, Ambleside, Lancaster and London will travel to Carlisle for the ceremonies, as will those who have studied in their workplaces, via distance learning or through degree apprenticeships routes.
These newly acquired higher-level skills have been gained across areas including education, arts and society, science and environment, industry, business and leadership, and health.
The graduation ceremonies take place in the city’s 900-year-old cathedral as multi-million-pound improvements continue in Carlisle city centre.
Alongside student successes, the university will confer honours on a number of people who have contributed significantly to Cumbria.
Today David Beeby DL will be given an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Cumbrian economy and the charitable sector.
At a ceremony tomorrow (Wed) David Williams will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate, the university’s highest honorary award for his contribution to Cumbria.
David, founder and CEO of global experiential learning and leadership development organisation Impact, is a celebrated inspirational leader and visionary. Its global headquarters are housed in the restored at Kelsick Grammar School, which is coincidentally where David lived and trained as a teacher during his days at the Charlotte Mason College (now the University of Cumbria’s Ambleside campus).
On Thursday Colin Glover, will be awarded an Honorary Fellowship recognition of his lifelong and outstanding contribution to civic, cultural and community engagement in Cumbria. Colin served six years as Leader of Carlisle City Council, where he guided the city through the 2015 floods and secured major investments such as the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and St Cuthbert’s Garden Village.
Later, during the 3pm ceremony, Jayne Moorby MBE, Head of Marketing for Ulverston based Oxley Group, will be awarded an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her lifelong service to industry and outstanding contribution to skills development and community engagement in South Cumbria.
University of Cumbria Chancellor, the The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell said:
“It is a joy and an honour, as Chancellor, to take part in the University of Cumbria’s graduation ceremonies in the inspiring setting of Carlisle Cathedral. This special occasion celebrates the hard-earned achievements of more than a thousand students across a rich variety of disciplines - from education, the arts, and business, to forestry, project management, and vital health professions such as nursing, paramedic practice, physiotherapy, and social work. Many have balanced study alongside work and family life, often through distance or workplace learning. I am delighted to join with others in recognising their remarkable commitment, academic success, and the hope and promise they carry into the future.”
Professor Julie Mennell DL, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cumbria, said:
“We are thrilled to be celebrating the achievements of our 2025 graduates. Across our university and partner institutions, we are immensely proud of their dedication and commitment in earning their degrees, professional qualifications, and awards.
“It is wonderful to welcome such a range of graduates, from our region and campuses, to international graduates and those who have balanced their studies alongside work and other life commitments. Graduation is the culmination of their hard work and we are very proud of them all.”
For a rundown of institutes and programmes graduating each day, visit: https://my.cumbria.ac.uk/Student-Life/Graduation/Key-Dates/
Notes to editors
Brief Biographies
Jayne Moorby MBE (Thursday 27 November, noon ceremony start)
Honorary Fellow of the University of Cumbria
Jayne Moorby, born in Barrow-in-Furness, is Head of Marketing at Oxley Group, an Ulverston-based aerospace and defence electronics manufacturer. With a BA (Hons) in Marketing from Lancaster University and a postgraduate diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Jayne has extensive experience in international marketing and export promotion. She is national co-chair of the Defence Primes and SME Community, a Northern Powerhouse Export Champion, and chairs the Ulverston Town Team.
Passionate about education and equality, Jayne leads the Furness Education and Skills Partnership, chairs Cumbria Cornerstone Employers, and supports initiatives encouraging young women into STEM careers. She is a trustee of Furness Education Trust, a school enterprise advisor, and co-founder of UlverSTEM. Her community work includes volunteering for Barrow Foodbank and contributing to local skills and opportunity reports.
Recognised as one of The Manufacturer’s Top 100 influencers for driving cultural change, Jayne was awarded an MBE in 2024 for services to industry. Outside work, she enjoys music, DJing, and travelling with her husband.
David George Beeby DL (Tuesday 25 November, 3pm ceremony start)
Honorary Fellow, University of Cumbria
David Beeby grew up on a Nottinghamshire dairy farm and began his career as a Chartered Accountant before moving into industry. He spent 50 years in the print and packaging sector, relocating to Cumbria in 1987 to lead Smith Brothers (Whitehaven) Ltd. Later, as CEO of Innovia Group, he oversaw global expansion and the development of polymer banknote technology for the Bank of England.
Beyond business, David has held numerous leadership roles in charitable and economic organisations, including Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation, where he launched the Better Tomorrows Programme to improve youth provision across the county. He has also served as High Sheriff of Cumbria and continues as a Deputy Lieutenant.
David’s vision and commitment have made a lasting impact on Cumbria’s economy and communities.
David Williams (Wednesday 26 November, noon ceremony start)
Honorary Doctorate of the University of Cumbria
David Williams is the founder and CEO of Impact, a global leader in experiential learning and leadership development. For over 45 years, David has shaped a company that now operates from 17 bases worldwide, partnering with some of the world’s most recognised organisations.
Raised on a Derbyshire farm, David’s passion for experiential learning began at 16 during an Outward Bound course. He trained as a teacher at Charlotte Mason College (now part of the University of Cumbria) and, in 1980, launched Impact from his kitchen table in Ulverston. What started as outdoor programmes for young people grew into an international business, pioneering leadership development across Europe, Asia, Oceania and North America.
David’s commitment to Cumbria is profound. He helped secure the Ambleside campus through the creation of IFLAS and opened Impact’s global headquarters there in 2023. Beyond business, he champions sustainability, manages a regenerative farm, and supports youth and community initiatives.
David exemplifies purpose-driven leadership, blending global impact with local roots.
Colin Glover (Thursday 27 November, 9.45am ceremony start)
Honorary Fellow of the University of Cumbria
Born in Carlisle in 1957, Colin Glover began his career in the rail industry, serving 23 years in customer service, HR, and finance roles. He later worked for Age Concern and Cumbria County Council, specialising in services for vulnerable adults. Elected as a City Councillor in 1998, Colin served for 25 years, including six years as Leader of Carlisle City Council, where he guided the city through the 2015 floods and secured major investments such as the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal and St Cuthbert’s Garden Village.
Beyond local government, Colin has championed arts and culture across Cumbria, holding leadership roles with Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery, Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life, Currock Community Association, and Carlisle Society for the Blind. Since 2025, he has been a Director of Carlisle Matters. His dedication to civic and cultural life earned him the Judge’s Special Award at the Carlisle Living Awards in 2019.