There were celebrations a plenty as Hope graduands gathered at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King for the Winter Graduation ceremony.
Students receiving Masters, PhD’s, Postgraduate Certificates, and Bachelor degrees celebrated completing their studies alongside honorary degree recipients Professor James Keaton MBE and Canon Andrew White.
Professor Keaton has been a Regent at Liverpool Hope University since 2012, supporting the University’s Strategic Development agenda. Professor Keaton was instrumental in developing the University’s five-year research partnership with Everton Football Club, announced in October 2016.
Canon Andrew White pastored the only Anglican Church in Iraq; St George’s Church in Baghdad, until November 2014 – a position that afforded him the moniker ‘The Vicar of Baghdad’. In 2002, he took part in the Alexandria Process – an active dialogue between Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders, to build understanding and work towards peace in the Holy Land.
Philip Chorlton, who completed a Masters in History and was among the candidates being conferred, explained how he started his journey at Hope when he applied for an undergraduate degree.
He said: “I came to an Open Day and absolutely loved the University and campus, so chose Hope for my History BA. I’m looking forward to returning to my home town Rochdale to become an Academic Mentor at a local high school.”