Actor, writer and horse owner Martin Clunes was installed as inaugural chancellor of Hartpury University during a graduation ceremony at Gloucester Cathedral earlier this month.
Martin’s installation took place during a graduation ceremony in which students from animal-related degrees were being recognised.
Martin, who is also the president of the British Horse Society, was made a chancellor of Hartpury College in June.
Hundreds of students graduated from a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees over two days on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 November.
Lucinda Green honoured
One of those was former event rider Lucinda Green who was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding contribution to equestrian sport and coaching.
In an impressive career, Lucinda won Badminton six times and Burghley twice. She was crowned world champion in 1982 and European champion in 1975 and 1977. She was also part of the British team who took home a silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Since retiring from competition, Lucinda has become a successful coach and trainer and has enjoyed great success with her Lucinda Green Cross Country Academy, a highly regarded online training platform.
Charlie Whitehouse, a fourth-generation farmer based in the Forest of Dean, was awarded an honorary degree for his role in the development of Hartpury and his contribution to the agricultural industry.
“I’d like to express my gratitude to the team for organising another spectacular graduation ceremony. Both days were once again filled with immense joy and it was a significant milestone in our institution’s history, as we officially installed Martin Clunes as Hartpury University’s Chancellor,” said Professor Andy Collop, vice chancellor and ceo of Hartpury University.
“These ceremonies serve as a celebration of the students’ achievements and accomplishments, as well as a symbolic handover of the baton to the graduates as they embark on their respective careers. It is a recognition of their knowledge and skills, which enable them to shape their career paths while addressing the challenges in their specialised industries. We eagerly await the positive impact our class of 2024 will make.”
