Graduation ceremonies are all about recognising achievements – it might your own, your friend’s, or your family member’s. Or it could be a global pop superstar with a song trending across the internet.
Honorary doctorates are awarded to nominees who have had success in their own fields. Last year, Amelia Dimoldenberg, Mel B, and Joe Wicks were all among those joining students by walking across the stage at unis up and down the country.
But what about this year? Here’s which celebrities be getting a gown and mortar board of their own at 2025 graduations (and who you might be lucky enough to see if you’re graduating from any of these places…).
PinkPantheress – University of Kent
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Does “my name is Dr Pink” have the same ring to it? The first celebrity graduation on our 2025 list is resh from Glastonbury. PinkPantheress will become a Doctor of Music in recognition of her “achievements in music in the digital age”.
Born in Kent, the 24-year-old was raised in Canterbury so will be receiving the degree from her home county.
Her ceremony will take place at Canterbury Cathedral on Tuesday 22 July. University of Kent said it was “very excited” to be handing the musician a degree alongside seven other “impactful individuals” including author Michael Morpurgo.
Stormzy – University of Cambridge
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Award-winning rapper Stormzy has already received his Doctorate in Law from the University of Cambridge last month.
It comes following the launch of the Stormzy Scholarship at the university in 2018, which helps Black students get into university and has so far supported 56 people in higher education.
Writing on Instagram, Stormzy called it “a very proud moment for me and my family”.
Greg James – University of York
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York students, keep an eye out for your favourite campus celebrity at your 2025 graduation ceremony.
Yes, the one and only Greg James will receive a Doctor of the University for his “remarkable contribution to society as a much-loved radio and television personality”. He is also receiving it in recognition of his mental health advocacy work.
Greg said on Radio 1 that he was “deeply honoured and flattered”, adding: “Thank you University of York, I can’t wait to see you all again and be in that hall.”
The presenter’s main link with the university is his association with Long Boi, the tall duck who became a recurring character on his radio show. After the duck went missing and was presumed dead, Greg hosted a funeral and statue unveiling for Long Boi in September last year, including a minute of quacking.
Speculating “services to dead ducks” may be the reason behind the degree, he joked: “I’m getting a duck-torate. I’m going to be a duck-tor.”
Margaret Atwood – University of York
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Another University of York doctorate (which is 100 per cent not duck-related) will go to The Handmaid’s Tale author Margaret Atwood.
The 85-year-old Canadian novelist graduated with an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto and a Master’s degree from Harvard.
She has previously visited the Yorkshire city for shows, but perhaps on this visit to campus she could become familiar with the story of Long Boi?
Sir Mo Farah – University of Oxford
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Next up – and having already received his doctorate – is Olympic gold medallist Sir Mo Farah.
Sir Mo called it a “dream come true” and said “anything is possible”, adding: “Having my twin daughters with me, who weren’t with us during London 2012, seeing the recognition for my achievements was incredibly special – a moment I could share with them and one they’ll hopefully remember forever.”
It was at the London 2012 that the now retired long-distance runner secured gold in both the Men’s 5000m and 10,000m races.
Alan Cumming – University of St Andrews
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Star of The Traitors US Alan Cumming was also bestowed a doctorate from University of St Andrews – situated nearby to where he grew up.
Alongside being host to the American reality TV show, Alan has appeared on both stage and screen and is only a Tony award away from EGOT status.
In his address, he gave advice to graduating students: “You must never stop learning, you must never stop being curious… It’s so important to stay open to the possibility of life and this was only the beginning of your education.
“This may have been your formal education, but learning never stops, so embrace it. Embrace curiosity.”
Pep Guardiola – University of Manchester
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An honorary doctorate – and for Manchester City fans at least – an already honorary Mancunian having won ten major titles with the club in nine years.
The Spaniard told the University of Manchester: “Catalonia is my hometown but Manchester will remain something unique for the rest of my life. I live the best moments of my life here.”
Clive Myrie – University of Oxford
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BBC News presenter Clive Myrie has also received a prestigious doctorate from the University of Oxford.
Born in Bolton, he was a graduate of the University of Sussex.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern should also have been present at the Oxford ceremony alongside Sir Mo and Clive but was unable to attend.
Featured image via Pixabay on Pexels/University of Cambridge/@sirmofarah on Instagram/ @pinkpantheress on Instagram
