Historic first as St Andrews prepares to install new Chancellor during summer graduations

The University is set to mark a historic milestone this summer during graduation week, with the formal installation of its new Chancellor, alongside celebrations for students and distinguished honorary graduates from around the world.

More than 2,200 students will graduate in St Andrews this summer, with ceremonies taking place in the Younger Hall between Monday 29 June and Friday 3 July 2026.

Dame Anne Pringle will be installed as Chancellor on Wednesday 1 July 2026, the first woman to hold the office in the University’s more than 600-year history.

A distinguished diplomat and St Andrews alumna, Dame Anne was elected earlier this year. As Chancellor, Dame Anne will play a key role in conferring degrees during graduation and representing St Andrews globally.

Honorary graduates

Alongside this historic occasion, the University will also honour nine distinguished figures from science, culture, academia and public life with honorary degrees.

Musician, educator and broadcaster Richard Michael BEM will be awarded a Doctor of Music (DMus). Founder of the Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra and a long-standing champion of jazz education in Scotland, Richard has influenced generations of young musicians through teaching, performance and broadcasting, including nearly two decades presenting BBC Radio Scotland’s Jazz Nights.

Historian Professor Caroline Walker Bynum will receive a Doctor of Letters (DLitt). An internationally renowned scholar of medieval Christianity, her work has transformed understanding of religion, gender and the body in the Middle Ages, with appointments at Harvard, Columbia and the Institute for Advanced Study.

Terrorism expert Professor Bruce Hoffman will be awarded a DLitt in recognition of more than 50 years of research shaping global understanding of political violence. His influential book Inside Terrorism is widely regarded as a foundational text in the field.

Mathematician Professor Geoffrey Grimmett FRS will receive a Doctor of Science (DSc). A leading authority in probability theory and statistical mechanics, his work on random systems and complex processes has had a major international impact.

Writer and broadcaster Billy Kay will be awarded a DLitt for his contribution to Scottish culture and language. A former BBC producer, he is best known for the Odyssey series documenting Scotland’s oral history and for his work promoting the Scots language.

Intellectual historian Professor Stefan Collini FBA will receive a DLitt. Known for his influential writing on universities and public intellectuals, he has played a prominent role in debates about higher education in the UK.

Ecologist Professor Ian Newton OBE FRS FRSE will be awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc) in recognition of his major contributions to ornithology and conservation science, including long-term studies of bird populations and environmental change.

Clinical scientist Professor Sir Stephen Holgate CBE will receive a Doctor of Science and Medicine (DSc MD). A world leader in respiratory research, his work on asthma, allergy and air pollution has shaped global medical understanding and public health policy.

Molecular biologist and academic leader Professor Michael Hoch will be awarded a Doctor of Science (DSc). As Rector of the University of Bonn, he has led major advances in research excellence and international collaboration.

Graduates, honorary award recipients and guests will come together throughout the week to celebrate their achievements and the University’s enduring global community.

Ceremony schedule and honorary graduates

• Monday 29 June, 2pm – Richard Michael BEM
• Tuesday 30 June, 10.30am – Professor Caroline Walker Bynum
• Tuesday 30 June, 2pm – Professor Bruce Hoffman
• Wednesday 1 July, 10.30am – Professor Geoffrey Grimmett FRS
• Wednesday 1 July,  2pm – Billy Kay and Installation of Dame Anne Pringle as Chancellor
• Thursday 2 July, 10.30am – Professor Stefan Collini FBA
• Thursday 2 July, 2pm – Professor Ian Newton OBE FRS FRSE
• Friday 3 July, 10.30am – Professor Sir Stephen Holgate CBE
• Friday 3 July, 2pm – Professor Michael Hoch