BU to celebrate graduate achievements

2 November 2009

Professor Paul Curran at an Award Ceremony

Thousands of people will join BU to celebrate the success of its latest graduates during the 2009 Award Ceremonies.

The BU 2009 Award ceremonies take place between Tuesday and Friday, 3-6 November, at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC).

In excess of 4,500 graduates from our six Academic Schools plus Academic Services, Partner Colleges and Graduate School will receive degrees, diplomas and professional qualifications over seven ceremonies.

The BIC’s Windsor Hall will be filled with friends and families of graduates as they take to the stage to accept their awards.

This year, BU will observe the instalment of a new Chancellor, Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, who this year succeeds Lady Dione Digby.

A number of special prize-winners will be recognised, including the recipient of the annual Vice-Chancellor’s Prize. This award is presented to the graduate whose achievements at BU are deemed the most distinguished overall.

Honorary Doctorates, celebrating the careers and contributions of distinguished guests from the world of film, sport, business, health and engineering, will also be awarded over the four days.

Among this year’s recipients are Darren Kenny OBE, winner of four gold medals at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, and TV director and writer Peter Kosminsky, responsible for hard-hitting dramas No Child of Mine and Walking on the Moon.

The 2009 Graduation Ball, organised by the Students’ Union at Bournemouth University (SUBU) provides a fitting end to the celebrations on 6 November. The BIC will host a banquet and live entertainment giving students a final opportunity to don their evening wear and celebrate into the night.

For the third consecutive year, all Awards Ceremonies will be streamed live via the internet enabling family and friends to watch the Ceremonies as they happen, online.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Curran said: “BU congratulates all of this year’s graduates. This is a very special occasion for the graduates, their families and friends. We look forward to welcoming them to the BIC and sharing in the celebrations.”