More than 700 students graduate as Harper Adams marks 125 years
More than 700 students received awards as Harper Adams began celebrations marking its 125th anniversary
Harper Adams University has begun celebrations to mark its 125th anniversary as more than 700 students received their awards at this year’s graduation ceremonies.
The class of 2026 was told it was joining a long line of pioneers as the university began a year of celebrations marking 125 years of Harper Adams.
Across three graduation ceremonies, more than 700 students received awards, including a cohort of Veterinary Medicine students from the Harper & Keele Veterinary School.
The veterinary graduates attended a ceremony at Harper Adams in the morning before travelling to Keele University, where they were welcomed as members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
They pledged their commitment to ensuring the health and welfare of animals under their care.
Two Honorary Degrees and two Fellowships of the University were also awarded during the ceremonies.
Tullis Matson, managing director of Stallion AI Services and founder and chair of Nature’s SAFE, received an Honorary Degree, while Christine Tacon CBE and Professor Grant Edwards became Fellows of the University.
Farmer, social media personality and entrepreneur Olly Harrison DL also received an Honorary Degree.
Graduates also heard from alumni Matthew Rollason, agriculture manager at the Dunbia Group, and Sophie Parfitt, commercial manager at Barfoots of Botley Ltd.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan told graduates they were following in the footsteps of the six pioneering students who joined the newly established Harper Adams Agricultural College in 1901.
He said the university's applied research and education continued to distinguish Harper Adams, adding that the graduating class represented “the next generation of leaders” and had “the opportunity to make the difference”.
The graduation ceremonies mark the formal start of Harper Adams’ 125th anniversary celebrations.