News and Events

Award ceremonies graduate with honours

6 November 2008

Student receives award from BU Vice-Chancellor

BU graduands are currently being congratulated at the annual award ceremonies.

BU’s graduation ceremonies are currently taking place at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Throughout the three days over 3,000 students will achieve their goals and BU congratulates them on their success.

Wednesday’s ceremonies featured graduands from the School of Services Management, School of Design, Engineering & Computing, School of Health & Social Care and Academic Services.

Alumni Reconnections

The ceremonies gave a group of former students an excellent opportunity to become reacquainted with BU – some after an absence of more than 30 years.

Each member of the group of ten received a Certificate of Reconnection from Deputy Vice-Chancellor David Willey.

Geoff Pritchard of Weymouth said it was “rather nice to come back and reconnect” some 32 years after receiving his HNC in Business Studies from the Bournemouth Technology College, the early predecessor to BU.

For Chris Dunne, of Brentford, West London, it’s been 40 years since he began studying for a BSc in Economics in Bournemouth. He said: “I had the most fantastic time in my life during those years. This is like nostalgia lane, the whole place has changed. We hadn’t realised how entrepreneurial Bournemouth had become.”

Honorary Doctorates

Local entrepreneur Ken Stanley, founder of BigHead, a Bournemouth-based company which supplies metal fastenings to many industries around the world, received the honorary degree of Doctor of Technology.

Stanley has distinguished himself as an inventor and entrepreneur. A longstanding BU supporter, he has inspired many students with his ingenuity and enthusiasm for innovative technology, good design and environmental sustainability.

In a statement read by Professor John Vinney, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Resources) Ken said: “The University has afforded me a very great honour today and for that I am most grateful.

“I have greatly appreciated and enjoyed the opportunity to share the activities of the University over many years and have been inspired by the massive enthusiasm and abilities of the students in all departments. I congratulate all of them on their achievements and wish them continued success.”

Vice-Chancellor’s prize

Adam Bateman from Wells in Somerset received the Vice-Chancellor’s Prize for 2008.

Adam was awarded a first class honours degree in Internet Communication Systems. The prize recognised Adam’s academic performance as the most distinguished overall in the academic year.

During his placement year, Adam gained experience in information security. That knowledge was reflected in his dissertation, which was awarded the highest mark of his cohort.

“I was nervous going across the stage to receive the prize but it was a very proud moment,” says Adam, who was cheered on by members of his family and friends. “All the support I’ve had, particularly from my family, has been really good.”

Adam’s father, Derek, said he was more nervous than his son. He said: “It’s such a proud moment. He’s worked so hard and deserves all of it – it’s absolutely fantastic.”

Today’s ceremonies feature graduands from The Business School and the School of Conservation Sciences.

Watch the ceremonies live as they happen.