Fatboy Slim Leads Tributes To University of Brighton Graduates

Norman Cook, a graduate of Brighton Polytechnic (which grew into the University of Brighton), said "You are my heroes", as he took his place among alumni celebrating the achievements of graduating students.

His involvement in the tributes and celebrations was announced ahead of what would have been the annual graduation ceremony, delayed until February 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Without the physical ceremony taking place, the university said it has produced a series of films for each graduating School featuring messages from celebrity alumni, including Brighton-based musician and DJ Fatboy Slim, artist Alison Lapper MBE, honorary graduate and award-winning crime author Peter James and senior staff, with Vice-Chancellor Professor Debra Humphris paying tribute to the class of 2020.

Graduating students, who would have been in attendance at the Brighton Centre between 28-31 July, will be invited to join the online celebrations as the university recognises what a spokesperson described as "their incredible resilience, hard work and talent during what was a challenging end to their degrees".

Marnie Middlemiss, Director of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement said:

"It was important for us to celebrate and recognise the extraordinary achievement of our Class of 2020.

"We also wanted to remind our new graduates that they can access life-long careers support and seek advice from our global community of 180,000 University of Brighton alumni. 

"We look forward to celebrating with them in person in February 2021 and being there for them as they navigate their next steps." 

Norman Cook, who achieved a BA in British Studies at what was then Brighton Polytechnic, drew on the David Bowie song, 'Heroes', for his tribute to students:

"I, I will be king, you, you will be queen - and nothing will keep them away. We can beat them, just for one day. 

"I guess what I'm trying to say is you're all heroes, whether you get to celebrate with your nearest and dearest or the whole world, what you've done is a fabulous thing, I salute you, I congratulate you, you are my heroes - just for one day."

Honorary Graduate Peter James praised the tenacity of students during the pandemic:

"These past months have been a tough time for everyone, but there's one thing I always try to remember and it's always stood me in good stead - the happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything."

Vice-Chancellor Professor Debra Humphris, leading the proceedings, said:

"To the Class of 2020, congratulations. I know we would normally be coming together for an extraordinary celebration, and I hope that we will be able to do that, all being well, in February 2021. 

"I want to say a huge thank you to your friends, families and supporters, who have been there for you on this journey, and of course to the staff of the university, who have encouraged you, challenged and enabled you to be your brilliant best.

"Now you will always be an alumnus of the University of Brighton. You will always be part of us. So please stay in touch, tell us about your journey. We will be here to support you.

"So, before we meet again in February, congratulations. We are deeply proud of you."