Honorary graduates Gwendolen Collinson Stokes and Philip Ayrton-Grime with University of Liverpool deputy vice-chancellor, Patrick Hackett.

University of Liverpool celebrates graduates of yesteryear

Two former University of Liverpool students have been awarded honorary degrees from the university, over 65 years after they completed their studies.

The Honorary Bachelor of Veterinary Science degrees (BVSc) were bestowed to Gwendolen Collinson Stokes and Philip Ayrton Grime, who studied to become members of the RCVS prior to 1951, but did not take the exams for the BVSc degree.

At the time, the BVSc degree was not required for a career in veterinary medicine, so many students just took the MRCVS exams to allow them to become practising vets.

After graduating from Liverpool, both Philip and Gwendolen went on to have successful veterinary careers. Philip spent many years in Windsor as the Queen's personal vet and was awarded the Commander of the Victorian Order award in recognition of his contribution.

The graduation ceremony was held at the university's Leahurst Campus which has been home to veterinary students since 1941.

"We felt it was a fitting gesture to honour our MRCVS students of yesteryear in this way and it was fantastic to welcome them and their families back to Leahurst to celebrate," said Professor Susan Dawson, head of the university's institute of veterinary science.

The ceremony formed part of the inaugural University of Liverpool Veterinary Alumni Association Celebration Weekend (3-4 September) which encourages former students to get together and reminisce.

Image (C) Martin Birchall