The St Mary’s University London community came together recently to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class of 2026 in a series of ceremonies.
Celebrated in the University’s chapel on its Strawberry Hill campus, the ceremonies were an opportunity for staff, families, and loved ones to reflect on all that had been achieved through the students’ academic journeys.
Over 1400 students graduated from the University’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes through 18 ceremonies, and the University saw its first MBA cohort graduate from SMU Online, following its launch in 2024.
The ceremonies had added significance this year as the last that Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony McClaran would preside over, prior to his retirement at the end of this academic year. This occasion was marked as the Chair of the Board of Governors, His Grace Archbishop Richard Moth, presented Professor McClaran with the St Mary’s Medal in recognition of his achievements as Vice-Chancellor.
Previous recipients of the St Mary’s Medal have included the Ecumenical Patriarch and Archbishop of Constantinople, Bartholomew I; the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all-Ireland Dr Richard Clarke; former Archbishop of Canterbury Baron Williams of Oystermouth; Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald M.Afr., OBE; Archbishop Kevin McDonald;, and Sir Michael Wilshaw, the former Chief Executive of Ofsted and alumnus of St Mary’s, amongst others.
The ceremonies also saw Professor Mark Watson-Gandy OBE being awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws in recognition of his distinguished contribution to legal practice, education and public service. Called to the Bar in 1990, he has built an international reputation in insolvency, corporate and private international law, while teaching and publishing extensively.
His public service has included leading independent ethical scrutiny of biometrics, artificial intelligence and data use. He is also founder of KidsMBA and has supported numerous charitable, professional and Catholic organisations. His honours include a papal knighthood, appointment as a Commander of the Order of St John, and an OBE. He played a key part in the preparations for Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Great Britain in 2010, the highlights of which included a visit to St Mary’ University.
Speaking of the ceremonies, Prof Anthony McClaran said, “It is a great privilege to preside over St Mary’s graduation ceremonies each year and celebrate the considerable achievements of our graduating students with their proud families and friends. I know that they will go on to make a significant contribution to their communities, here and around the world.
“It is also a profound honour to be presented the St Mary's Medal The privilege of leading this University for the last six years has been a great honour in itself and to receive this recognition is humbling. I wish our staff, students, and the graduating cohort all the very best for the future.”