A former University of Bristol student has returned to the city this week to officially graduate – 33 years after she finished her studies.
Bee Costello-Bates, now a journalist and scriptwriter, completed her BA in Politics in 1993 but at that time her father received a devastating diagnosis and was too poorly to come to her graduation. Following this news, she decided the time didn’t feel right to attend such a celebratory event but always thought she’d like to graduate at some point.
After reconnecting with the University in the last few years, where she has mentored a number of students, who offered her the encouragement to graduate, she donned her cap and gown to collect her degree from the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Evelyn Welch at the historic Wills Memorial Building on Wednesday afternoon.
She said: “Not attending my graduation ceremony was always at the back of my mind, and it was something I regretted not doing, especially after seeing my nieces and nephews graduate and enjoy the experience so much. Today has been a fantastic day. To attend the ceremony with my 11-year-old daughter and my husband has been amazing. My daughter has now been to both her parents’ graduation ceremonies after my husband achieved a masters in Forestry a few years ago.”
After finishing her degree in the 1990s Bee embarked on a successful career in journalism, which has included writing for publications including The Sun, The Times and Square Mile, and research for the Sunday Times Magazine. After completing her diploma in wine, she then became editor of a global drinks title. Bee then moved into public relations and set up her own award-winning consultancy in 2013 with a focus on food, drink and travel.
In 2024 Epigram, the University’s student newspaper, approached her with an invitation to speak at its annual Women in Media panel. Following this, she became involved with the University’s Bristol Mentors scheme via the University’s Career Service which matches students with an alumni mentor who help them explore ideas and share advice in a specific job sector that interests them.
Bee was matched with several Bristol students including Holly Smithurst who was about to enter her final year of a History and Spanish degree and was interested in pursuing a career in journalism after writing for student publication The Tab.
During the next 12 months she got advice and support from Bee about how to get into media which culminated in work experience at the Ludlow Food Festival where she worked with the press team there. Holly graduated with a 2:1 and is now looking to study for a masters in journalism.
Holly said: “Bee went above and beyond to support me. Her advice and knowledge was absolutely amazing, and she went through all the options available to me. It’s great that she’s graduating, and I hope she has a wonderful day. She’s been a real inspiration for me and, as a result, I hope to undertake a masters in journalism next year.”
Another student Bee supported was Amelia Shaw, who graduated last year with a Politics and Sociology degree. She reached out to Bee over summer for some help and guidance on next steps to develop a career in journalism after meeting her the year before at the Epigram panel.
Amelia said: “Her commitment to sharing advice was evident from our very first chat, and it genuinely eased my anxieties about entering such a notoriously competitive industry. We’ve stayed in touch ever since, and I’m so grateful for her kindness and support. In that time, I’ve gone on to gain experience at the Daily Mail, Bristol 24/7, and I’ve secured a place on ITV’s Gateway to TV programme – all while studying part‑time for my National Council for the Training of Journalists qualification and working full-time at the council. Bee has continually encouraged me every step of the way.
“I’m delighted that I, along with other students she has mentored, helped inspire Bee to take this long‑awaited step and attend her graduation. She has empowered so many of us to believe in our potential and has given so much back to the University of Bristol community, championing the next generation of young journalists. It’s wonderful to see her now taking a moment to celebrate her own achievements with the same pride and confidence she encourages in others.”
Bee added: “Mentoring Holly, Amelia and others has truly been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. Through them, it’s enabled me to reconnect with the University of Bristol and finally graduate. I look forward to supporting more students in the future and seeing them flourish.”
Imogene Halsey-Dudley, Head of Alumni Engagement at the University of Bristol, said: “We’re so grateful to Bee for the time and support she has given to students on the Bristol Mentors Programme. These students are from underrepresented groups and often face wider challenges than their peers, and the help given by mentors like Bee is invaluable. We’re thrilled to hear that Bristol Mentors enabled Bee to reconnect to the University and ultimately led to her officially graduating. Many congratulations Bee and thank you for supporting our students.”
