TODAY marks the start of a series of ceremonies to cap the hard work of thousands of students in Southampton.

Gowns will be donned by graduates of Southampton Solent university as almost 2,500 students gather to collect their degrees and professional qualifications.

Starting today ten ceremonies over five days will showcase new graduate talent ranging from the areas of business, law, art, fashion and design, media arts, technology and maritime education.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said graduation was “a celebration” of the academic achievement of students.

He said: “We are proud of our students during their time with us and we follow with interest the impact they have as graduates on our societies and economies – locally, nationally and internationally.

“I am confident that as products of an enterprising and dynamic university, our graduates will find innovative ways of responding to the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly globalised world.”

Southampton Solent University Chancellor, Lord West of Spithead, Jonathan Cheshire OBE, chairman of the Board of Governors, and Dr Jo Mountfield, will preside over the University’s graduation ceremonies.

Graduates will be able to share their experience with friends and relatives from around the world via a live webcast.

Honorary degrees will also be presented to a number of academics and professionals who have made an outstanding contribution in their field.

Among them will be Simon May, who is best known for his work composing theme tunes including Eastenders and Howards Way. He will be made a Doctor of Music.

Stephen Park OBE will be recognised with a Doctor of Sport for his achievements in yachting, he is the Royal Yachting Association’s Olympic manager and is responsible for managing and implementing the World Class Performance (WCP) programme for sailing.

Mark Payton, editorial director of Haymarket Consumer Media, Britain’s largest privately owned specialist media company, will be presented with a Doctor of Media.

Robin Hutson, who co founded the Hotel Du Vin group will be presented with a Doctor of Business while international multi-award-winning interior designer, business consultant and founder of the Society of British and International Design Vanessa Brady will be given a Doctor of Design. The same award is also being presented to David McKendrick who has enjoyed a successful career as a designer and art/creative director, successfully reinventing an historic brand Esquire UK, twice.

A Doctor of Engineering will be given to Jan Ward who is a non-executive director at Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and a past president of the Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce while Southampton-born Philip Hoare, a recognised author, presenter, curator and entrepreneur will be given a Doctor of Arts.

Douglas Barrow who has held the positions of chief executive of Maritime London and is currently the Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights is being presented with a Doctor of Maritime Studies.

Solent alumni Kevin Kimber will be given a Master of Business Administration for a 12-year career where as he has launched and scaled Cloud software businesses across the globe.