Students' Celebrations Light Up The Dome
5 December 2011
Ieuan Male, celebrating with father Nicholas and his week-old son Rio.
Buxton welcomed back 250 former students on Saturday December 3, as they returned to the town to graduate from the University of Derby Buxton at a glittering Awards Ceremony in the Devonshire Dome.
The students, University dignitaries including the University's Chancellor the Duke of Devonshire, Honorary Doctors and their guests took part in a procession from the Dome to a ceremony at St Anne's Church led by Fairfield Brass Band. They then returned to the Dome for the ceremony, formal photographs and a meal, which was this year prepared by Professional Cookery students of Buxton College.
Two high profile High Peak figures - former Labour MP for the High Peak, Tom Levitt, and the Managing Director of the Heights of Abraham, Andrew Pugh - both received Honorary Doctorates at the ceremony.
Tom Levitt said: "To be honoured in this way is a unique experience and it is fantastic to be recognised by the University for my work in the area over the years."
Andrew Pugh added: "I am so happy to be part of such an amazing occasion. To receive this award in such vibrant surroundings is something I will remember forever."
For 22 of the graduating students this was the first time they had visited the University's iconic campus, as all had studied for their degrees online. This included Heidi Thorne and Teresa Jones, who were also the first to achieve First Class degree grades on their programmes.
Teresa, 41, completed an online BA (Hons) Hospitality Management degree while living and studying in Berkshire and Heidi, 35, studied towards an online BSc (Hons) degree in International Spa Management from Oxfordshire.
Teresa said: "This is the first time I've been to Buxton or met my tutors face to face. To do so on my graduation day is very special. I came with my husband and mother and we have all really enjoyed the occasion and a weekend in the beautiful Peak District."
For 38 of the students, the journey had been a long one as they had travelled from the four corners of the world to return to the University for their Awards Ceremony. Cyprus, Bulgaria, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Canada, Solvenia, Korea and even the Seychelles were among the many countries represented by the University's diverse graduating population.
Dean of the University of Derby Buxton, Dr Peter Dewhurst, said: "We were delighted to welcome back so many of our students for their Awards Ceremony. Once again many of them have already experienced some real success in their careers, and it was fantastic to be able to congratulate and celebrate with them."
Studying towards a degree at Buxton led to a new bakery business as well as to wedded bliss for graduating students Jennifer and Phil Hardy. The couple met while studying towards a BA (Hons) degree in Professional Culinary Arts and launched their Mansfield-based baking business, Sweet Buns, recently. Orders for their bespoke cakes, patisseries and desserts to have been coming in through website www.sweet-buns.co.uk thick and fast.
For talented BA (Hons) Sports Development and Sports Coaching graduate, Justin Knox, 36, it has been downhill all the way to his dream career after he secured a coveted national scholarship with British Cycling soon after completing his degree.
Justin Knox, from Matlock, Derbyshire, was one of just two people to be accepted on to British Cycling's Scholarship programme for 2011/12, after proving his commitment to a career in cycling coaching.
For Joint Honours BA (Hons) Managing in the Service Sector and Public Servces Management graduate Ieuan Male, 22, (pictured above). it was a double celebration. Not only did he collect his Award for his First Class degree but he became a father for the first time only last week. He bought his week old son Rio to the ceremony.
Also collecting his degree award was up and coming motor racing driver, Matt Hamilton, 21, from Hemel Hempstead. Matt is preparing to drive for TH Motorsport next year, and is currently working with the team to ensure their Skoda Octavia is ready for the grid on the Touring Car circuit.
Matt completed a Joint Honours BA (Hons) degree in Sports Psychology and Sports Development in June 2011, and he claims that what he learned during the degree is proving invaluable as he pursues a career in motorsport.
A full gallery and video of the event can be found on www.derby.ac.uk/connected soon.
For more information on any programmes at the University of Derby Buxton visit website www.derby.ac.uk/udb
