Winter Graduation 2026: ‘What an incredible group of people you are!’
Posted on: 2 February, 2026
More than 350 students graduated to rapturous applause and jubilant cheers as the University of the Built Environment celebrated its Winter Graduation ceremony on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 January 2026.
See a selection of photos here:
Set within the gilded elegance of Concert Hall in Reading, England, the ceremony unfolded before a packed audience of proud families, friends, and supporters.
The ceremony opened with gowned academics and the University’s senior leadership team taking to the stage to the resonant swell of the grand organ. After the speeches, graduands in their black robes and mortarboards processed onto the stage to receive their certificates from Vice Chancellor, Professor Ashley Wheaton.
‘Guardians of the built environment’
During his speech, the Vice Chancellor opened with a warm tribute, saying: “What an incredible group of people you are!”
He then urged graduates to look ahead to the impact their skills can have on society. He stressed that the world now needs “a better, safer, and critically a more sustainable built environment,” shaped by professionals who take a “long-term, human-centric approach” and act as “guardians of our substantial, precious and highly intricate Built Environment”.
Highlighting the growing complexity of global challenges, from climate change to rapid urbanisation and technological change, Ashley reinforced the vital role the University plays in responding to industry needs, positioning the institution as a leader in sustainability and accessible education.
He concluded by expressing confidence that UBE graduates will remain “at the centre of exceptional solutions in the future,” helping to create a better, more sustainable world.
‘I was convinced I was brilliant’
Other speeches across the two days were delivered by four esteemed guest speakers: Real Estate Balance founder Liz Peace CBE, RICS Chief Executive Justin Young, NLA Chief Executive Nick McKeogh and British Council for Offices Chief Executive Sam McClary, who all shared personal anecdotes and hard-won insights from their illustrious careers.
Read what they had to say here:
- Liz Peace: ‘Property industry is more than Rolex-wearing speculators’
- Nick McKeogh: ‘The future belongs to those who can connect dots’
- Sam McClary: ‘I was convinced I was brilliant’
Inside the Concert Hall there was a palpable mix of nerves, joy and quiet reflection as students from across the UK and around the world marked the culmination of years of study.
‘Super relieved and super happy’
The atmosphere at the drinks reception afterwards was a more relaxed affair, where students could mingle and meet the tutors who guided them throughout their degree programmes.
Among them was graduate Ayodeji Adewale Akinkuolie, who flew from Qatar to attend after completing his MSc in Innovation in Sustainable Built Environments.
Speaking at the buzzing drinks reception afterwards, he said: “I’m excited. It’s the first time I’m wearing a gown after four degrees,” adding that this was his third qualification with our University. Now working as a Quantity Surveyor in Qatar, he even brought along traditional Middle Eastern dress to mark his 20 years of working in the Middle East.
Leikesiha Owusu Koduah, who completed her Master’s in Real Estate, described graduating as both emotional and uplifting.
“I’m super relieved and super happy. I’ve come far and I’ve enjoyed the course,” she said, adding that the ceremony itself was “beautiful” and the venue “gorgeous”.
For Kimberley Burgess, graduating with a Master’s in Building Surveying after changing careers from managing university accommodation, the day carried a whirlwind of feelings.
“It’s been a whole load of emotions, nervous, excited, everything,” she said.
Philip Johnson, who completed his BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying, called his achievement “absolutely awesome”.
“It’s been a long time coming. I’m just glad I’ve done it and can take this with me for life,” he said, sharing plans to move to Australia in search of new opportunities.
‘It’s a milestone of my life’
The ceremony also attracted the University’s global student population to attend, with some graduates travelling from across Asia.
Kam Yee Choi, who works in land administration for the Hong Kong government and completed a Master’s in Real Estate, said: “It’s been a great day after studying so hard for two years. It’s exciting.”
She chose the University of the Built Environment for its “internationally recognised qualification”.
Kai Yiu Fan, who travelled from Macau after completing an MSc in Quantity Surveying, praised the university’s flexible learning model and described the ceremony as “very elegant”.
He added: “I am very proud of myself. I feel like I’ve stepped into another level now. It’s a milestone of my life.”
From ‘brickie’s mate’ to honorary doctorate
Alongside student celebrations, the University also conferred an honorary MBA and doctorates on distinguished leaders from across the built environment sector.
Sue Brown, Managing Director of Real Estate Balance and a leading force behind MIPIM, received an honorary MBA in recognition of her business leadership and commitment to inclusion.
Sharing a personal reflection, she joked: “My husband has two Master’s degrees; my daughter has a first degree, a Master’s degree, a PhD; my son has an MSc in Real Estate. I’ve only got a first degree, so thank you very much indeed,” adding that now “my son can’t remind me that I didn’t have a Master’s degree.”
Peter Freeman, co-founder of Argent Group, was awarded an honorary doctorate for his influential work in placemaking and urban development.
In his address, he urged graduates to think beyond spreadsheets. “Trying to combine placemaking with social benefits and commercial benefits, a lot of people think they are in conflict. They’re not,” he said.
“The value of a place is that people want to go there. As you go out into your careers, think ‘placemaker’. It’s good for business and it’s good for yourself.”
Nick Searl, Strategic Advisor at Urban Partners, also received an honorary doctorate for his contribution to urban regeneration and professional practice.
Reflecting on a career that began as a “brickie’s mate in 1983”, he said what he found most rewarding was seeing developments have “a fundamental effect on the lives in towns and cities”.
Addressing graduates, he added: “Today I commend you on your choice of career and I hope you find it as rewarding as I have.”
Dr Janet Young, Director General and Secretary at the Institution of Civil Engineers and a former UBE student, was awarded an honorary doctorate for her leadership and public service.
“One thing that always inspired me was that sense of society benefitting from what we do,” she said.
“No one can live their lives without a roof over their heads and the infrastructure they need.
“I’ve had the most exciting career imaginable, and it’s thanks to the University of the Built Environment that set me on that path.”
A TikTok star in our midst!
We’d like to think the splendour of our ceremony attracted TikTok megastar Sam Olsen to make his first trip to Reading, but he was there in support of his partner Harrison Paul Dockerty, an MSc Real Estate graduate. Sam kindly posted several photos from the day on his channels, further boosting the University of the Built Environment’s profile to millions of followers worldwide. Thanks, Sam!
