Record Numbers Celebrate Achievements At Awards
5 March 2013
A record number of graduates descended on Derby in January to attend the University's Annual Awards Ceremonies
Despite the wintry weather a record number of graduates descended on Derby in January to attend the University's Annual Awards Ceremonies at the Assembly Rooms.
Over the two days a total of 2,910 students received their degrees and diplomas from the Chancellor the Duke of Devonshire, and Vice-Chancellor Professor John Coyne.
The Great Hall was packed in each of the six ceremonies as almost 8,000 family members and friends watched their loved ones cross the stage.
University dignitaries and special guests including the High Sheriff, Alan Woods, and Lord Lieutenant Willie Tucker led a procession of academic staff and students through the snowy conditions to a ceremony at Derby Cathedral each day, warmly accompanied by the upbeat sounds of the Oriole Marching Jazz Band.
Many of the University's graduating population have already secured employment in their chosen fields and achieved personal success, including Artur Conka, 22, who graduated with a BA (Hons) Photography degree.
Artur made a short film about Roma and gypsy peoples living in the vast, crumbling Lunik IX housing complex in Kosice, Slovakia, for his final degree show. It had had thousands of views on YouTube and has been screened at film festivals.
Computer Games Modelling and Animation graduates Andrew Baigent, 24; Chris Edwards, 21; Adam Biddulph, 21; and International graduate Marco Maria Rossi, 23 have all been hired by the same major UK computer games company, Evolution Studios of Runcorn, Cheshire.
Adam Burrows, 21, from Leicester, who graduated with a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise degree landed his dream job as a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Derby County Football Club after completing a coveted internship.
Masters degree graduate Yaw Amo Wiafe, 34, from Kumasi in Ghana, who has become the first university lecturer in his subject in his home country after completing the MSc Advanced Practice of Medical Ultrasound through distance learning.
Fire Officer for the Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, Duncan White, 44, from Somerset, graduated with a Foundation Degree in Events Management by studying with the University of Derby Online Learning. The qualification will help him promote public safety at UK events like Glastonbury Festival.
Hundreds of people who successfully completed University of Derby awards around the world through its international partners also celebrated their graduation at the start of the year at ceremonies attended by members of the University's Executive team.
In Switzerland, ceremonies took place at the Swiss Hotel Management School and IHTTI School of Hotel Management on January 25 and 26.
Students graduated from Vakalo College of Art and Design and Mediterranean College in Greece at separate ceremonies at the start of February. In March, the Malawi Institute of Management and the Botswana Accountancy College held their annual awards ceremonies.
Congratulations to all who graduated.
A three time Olympian, a director of London's £15billion Crossrail project, a war veteran and educator, and captains of industry, all with connections either to the University or to the county of Derbyshire, were also recognised with Honorary Awards at the ceremonies.
- Valerie Todd (who became Honorary Doctor of the University or HonDUniv) works as a Director at Crossrail Ltd.
- Ross Davenport (Honorary Master of the University or HonMUniv) is a swimmer who has competed in the last three Olympic Games including London 2012 and two Commonwealth Games.
- Roy Wooldridge MC + (HonDUniv), who was awarded the Military Cross twice during the Second World War, was at one time Principal of the Derby College of Art and Technology, and had a pivotal role in the University's history.
- Sheila Taylor MBE (HonMUniv) is a voluntary sector worker, who for 25 years worked extensively in the fight to prevent the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children, young people and adults.
- Colin Walton (HonDUniv) is the former Chairman of Bombardier Transportation UK and Ireland. He is residing Chairman of the Railway Industry Association for the UK.
- Maxwell Craven MBE FSA (Honorary Doctor of Literature or HonDLitt) is a historian and conservationist, and former Keeper of Antiquities at Derby Museum.
- John Foxcroft (Honorary Doctor of Business Administration or HonDBA) is Chairman of Derby-based engineering firm Garrandale Ltd, one of the city's premier advanced engineering companies and a major employer.
- In addition, this year an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Fine Art (HonDFA) was awarded posthumously to Dr Emmanuel Cooper, a potter and ceramicist with an international reputation.
