On Saturday 19 July, the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) welcomed graduates, friends, families, and staff to a joyful celebration of achievement, community, and hope for the future.
The 2025 Graduation Ceremony marked a significant milestone for over 220 students who completed postgraduate degrees in sustainability at CAT’s Graduate School. Set against the stunning backdrop of CAT’s eco-centre in mid-Wales, the event was filled with sunshine, smiles, and stories of transformation.
A Celebration of Changemakers
CAT graduates from across the UK and beyond came together to celebrate their achievements in fields such as sustainability and adaptation, renewable energy, sustainable architecture, food, and ecology. Many of this year’s graduates have already begun applying their learning in impactful ways — from launching green businesses to influencing policy and leading community projects.
Chair of CAT’s Board of Trustees, Ben Summers, began the ceremony by highlighting some of these stories.
“While each of you has taken your own path to get here, shaped by different places, professions, passions, and experiences, today, you stand together as part of something bigger: the CAT community.
What makes CAT graduates special is what happens after your studies and research here. The real impact of our work is carried forward by you — in the projects you lead, the communities you support, and the systems you help transform.”
Some of the students graduating on Saturday include:
- Justina Raggett, who recently presented her dissertation at the Culinary Institute of America, is now working to scale sustainable, healthy menus in university catering.
- Fran Graham, who is an Outreach Manager at the Woodland Trust, uses the knowledge from her MSc to implement social change, communicate politics, and focus on group work and facilitation.
- Liam Rickard, whose music many students have enjoyed at CAT during the on-site study weeks, now uses his performances and platforms to share climate solutions in multiple languages.
- Rocey Belandria’s role as Climate Change and Natural Environment Officer at Cherwell District Council sees her working towards supporting the enhancement of nature from a strategic point of view through on-site initiatives to protect, defend and enhance the natural environment.
- Peter O’Toole is a founder member of the Milton Keynes Climate Action Network, working on engagement between the community and the council on local climate change issues, sustainability, environment, and equality, whilst also working on a sustainable practices project in Kenya with a Maasai community.
- And here at CAT, Rachel Tuckett studied while working at UK government in green policy and now leads CAT’s Zero Carbon Britain Innovation Labs.
Two of our graduates have also recently joined CAT’s Board of Trustees:
- Megan McGrattan is pioneering research into low-cost, scalable housing using 3D printing and traditional cob materials.
- And Andy Baylis is applying knowledge from CAT’s Green Building course to reduce the environmental impact of construction through his company Jenga Design and is supporting strategically with CAT’s redevelopment projects.
Their stories are a powerful reminder of the role the skills and knowledge students gain on our postgraduate courses play in equipping people to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises.
Inspiring Words from Judy Ling Wong
This year’s guest speaker was the inspirational Judy Ling Wong, Honorary President of the Black Environment Network and a lifelong advocate for environmental justice and inclusion. Her address was both moving and motivating, empowering graduates to think about how they can create a better future together and the importance of climate justice in shaping this.
“Sustainability depends on the relationship of people to nature, and the relationship of people to each other – people are the ultimate force for change; through the coming together of thinking, feeling and action.
Social Justice, Environmental Justice and Racial Justice come together to make up Climate Justice and governments, organisations, community groups, and individuals can work together across different sectors and at different levels using knowledge, skills and passion to shape our future.”
Her presentation and address also encouraged our graduates to carry forward their passion and purpose, and to continue building a more just and sustainable world.
A Day to Remember
The ceremony also included speeches from CAT staff, the presentation of certificates, and plenty of time for celebration and connection. Graduates and their guests enjoyed a delicious plant-based meal, live music, and the chance to explore CAT’s beautiful site — a living example of sustainable solutions in action.
During the ceremony, we also celebrated longstanding Graduate School lecturer Dr Frances Hill, who retired in April after 15 years supporting CAT students with their studies.
Looking Ahead
As the Class of 2025 steps into the next chapter of their journeys, we are filled with pride and hope. Their dedication, creativity, and commitment to positive action and change are exactly what the world needs right now.
Congratulations to all our graduates — we can’t wait to see what you do next!
Inspired to find out more about studying at Graduate School course at CAT?
There is still time to apply for our September 2025 entry. Get in touch or sign up to view a recording of our latest virtual open day.
Photos from the Graduation Ceremony by Celfach photography
