Recent Graduate’s Story

A Journey of Faith, Joy and Service

👥 For Mawgan, faith has always been part of life. Raised in Bodmin, he comes from a family with a long tradition of serving their community through education, politics, local government and social justice.

His father, Dan Rogerson, was MP for North Cornwall from 2005 to 2015, while his grandmother, Pat Rogerson, and his late grandfather, Steve, both served as councillors and taught drama at Bodmin College.

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Mawgan & Dad at Perranporch beach  I Mawgan with Mum & Dad I Mawgan & Nana Patti

The family has long been part of the worshipping community at St Mary's Catholic Church in Bodmin. Mawgan attended St Mary's Catholic Primary School, received his First Holy Communion at the age of eight and was confirmed when he was 12.

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Mawgan confirmed by Bishop Mark O’Toole, 2017

Although faith has always been part of his life, Mawgan says that over the past four or five years his relationship with God has deepened, giving him a clearer understanding of how God is at work in his life.

After studying A Levels in History, Maths and Psychology, Mawgan went on to read Politics and International Relations at the University of Exeter. In July 2026, he graduated with First-Class Honours. This autumn hw will return to Exeter to study for an MSc in Public Policy.

Alongside his studies, Mawgan became deeply involved in Christian life at the university. He served as president of the Student Christian Movement (SCM), leading weekly discussions exploring faith, Christian traditions, social justice and what it means to live out the Gospel in everyday life.

SCM describes itself as "Progressive, student-led faith in action", welcoming people from all backgrounds while encouraging Christians to put their faith into practice through service, justice and compassion.

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Mawgan with friends at St James’ Church, Exeter / SCM Nativity and “Shouty Carols” / Mary Harris Memorial Chapel, Exeter

Through SCM, and by worshipping alongside students from Anglican, Methodist and Baptist traditions, Mawgan's understanding of God and the Church grew significantly.

Mawgan has now begun worshipping within the Church of England, where he has found a sense of family and community that is both welcoming and accessible. While he remains deeply rooted in the sacramental life that has always shaped his faith, he has also come to appreciate the breadth and diversity of the Church of England. Although he recognises that it is not yet fully inclusive of LGBT people and that difficult questions remain unresolved, he has found encouragement in the presence of many clergy and congregations who strive to embody a generous and welcoming Christianity. For him, it is a place where tradition and hope for continued growth can exist alongside one another.

Despite this new chapter, moving away from St Mary's Church to St Petroc’s Church when he is home in Bodmin has not been easy.

"It was a painful move," he says, "because St Mary's will always feel like home."

During his time at Exeter, Mawgan also became involved with the University's Anglican Chaplaincy, where Revd Hannah played an important role in encouraging and nurturing his faith.

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Mawgan & Revd Hannah

When a paid position as Chaplaincy Assistant became available, Mawgan successfully applied for the role. Although contracted for 12 hours each week, he willingly gave much more of his time and wholeheartedly threw himself into the role. His responsibilities included livestreaming Sunday services, managing social media and producing rotas for readers, intercessors and servers.

"I help keep the churches ticking in the background," he says.

Running through Mawgan's story is one overriding theme: joy. For him, the Christian faith is rooted in the joy of the Gospel, the hope of salvation and the privilege of serving others.

"It's hard for me not to smile when I'm in church, however tired I am, because of the joy of the Gospel and the fruits that come out from this as I act out my faith in the community."

Looking ahead, Mawgan hopes to build a career in public service where he can make a positive difference to people's lives. He has also spent time discerning whether God may be calling him to ordained ministry – something he may well return to in the future.

"I think it's healthy for any Christian to consider church leadership."

Whatever path lies ahead, Mawgan hopes his future will remain in the South West—perhaps in Exeter, but ideally back home in Cornwall.

"I think Cornwall is the best place on the planet."

Above all, he remains open to wherever God may be leading him.

As Mawgan begins this exciting new chapter, his journey is a reminder that faith is not simply about where we begin, but how we continue to grow. Rooted in joy, shaped by service and open to God's calling, he looks forward to the future with hope and confidence.

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Mawgan enjoys walking along the Camel Trail / Mawgan in St Petroc's / Reed Hall, Univeristy of Exeter