Record Numbers Of Students Celebrate Achievements At Awards
21 January 2013
Olympic swimmer, Honorary Award recipient Ross Davenport with the Chancellor, the Duke of Devonshire and other members of the University Executive.
Despite the wintry weather a record number of graduates descended on Derby on January 17 and 18 to attend the University of Derby'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 University's Chancellor, the Duke of Devonshire, and its 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 to a ceremony at Derby Cathedral each day, accompanied by upbeat sounds of the Oriole Marching Jazz Band.
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.
Recipients of Honorary Award were as follows:
- Valerie Todd (who became an Honorary Doctor of the University or HonDUniv) works as a Director at Crossrail Ltd.
- Ross Davenport (became Honorary Master of the University or HonMUniv) is a swimmer who has competed in the last three Olympic Games including London 2012, two Commonwealth Games and other international competitions at the highest level.
- Roy Wooldridge (HonDUniv) was awarded the Military Cross twice for outstanding bravery in the Second World War and was a key figure in the University's history.
- Sheila Taylor MBE (HonMUniv) was born and lives in Derbyshire. A voluntary sector worker for 25 years, she has 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, and Chairman of the Derby and Derbyshire Railway Forum.
- Maxwell Craven MBE FSA (Honorary Doctor of Literature or HonDLitt) is a historian and conservationist, and former Keeper of Antiquities at Derby Museum (where he is now a trustee) for 18 years.
- 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 one of Britain's most distinguished craftsmen, Dr Emmanuel Cooper.
For a video and photo gallery from the Awards Ceremonies visit www.derby.ac.uk/connected
For more about the University visit www.derby.ac.uk
