Graduation ceremonies ready to commence

A music legend and Master of the Rolls amongst those to be honoured during four days of celebrations by BU.

Writer, musician and farmer Alex James is one of a list of luminaries to be awarded honorary degrees during Bournemouth University's annual Award Ceremonies this week (2-5 November, 2010) at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Others to be honoured include Master of the Rolls, the Right Honourable, The Lord Neuberger of Abbotsbury PC; the University’s former Director of Human Resources, Michael Riordan; businessman and Chair of the Wessex-Newfoundland Society, Alan Perry; and internationally-acclaimed engineer, Professor William Perry. This year, over 3,100 graduands from BU’s six Academic Schools plus Academic Services, Partner Colleges and Graduate School will receive doctorates, degrees, diplomas and professional qualifications during seven separate ceremonies. An estimated 14,000 friends, family and other supporters are expected to attend.

Once again, each of this year's ceremonies will be streamed live via the internet.

Born and raised in Bournemouth, Alex James achieved international success as the bassist with Blur. A prolific writer, he contributes to a number of daily papers and magazines and has a regular food column in The Sun. His first book “Bit of A Blur” was published in 2007 and he is currently working on a new book. James is also a farmer, producing award-winning cheeses from his Oxfordshire farm. He will be made an Honorary Doctor of Arts during ceremonies to recognise achievements in the University’s Media School on Friday, 5 November.

Michael Riordan served BU as Director of Human Resources through two eventful and successful decades. He previously held senior executive posts in the NHS and was a key member of the University’s Executive Team, particularly during the past five years when the University’s national and international profile has strengthened considerably. Riordan will be made an Honorary Doctor of Arts during ceremonies to recognise achievements in the University’s School of Health & Social Care on the morning of Tuesday, 2 November.

Alan Perry OBE is a Dorset-based businessman with a passion for the heritage of Poole and its historic links with Newfoundland where he has rebuilt an 18th century Dorset merchant’s house as a museum and learning centre. A founding member and Chairman of the Wessex-Newfoundland Society, Perry is a leading supporter of BU’s partnership with Memorial University of Newfoundland. Perry will be made an Honorary Doctor of Arts during ceremonies to recognise achievements in the University’s School of Services Management on the morning of Wednesday, 3 November.

Professor William Penny CBE is an internationally acclaimed engineer and entrepreneur in the field of measurement and control. Co-founder of Penny & Giles, an aerospace and industrial technology company based in Christchurch, he is best known for his leading role in developing the ‘black box’ flight recorder which has contributed immensely to the safety of air travel. Professor Penny will be made an Honorary Doctor of Technology during ceremonies to recognise achievements in the University’s School of Design, Engineering & Computing on the afternoon of Wednesday, 3 November.

Lord Neuberger is President of the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal and Head of Civil Justice. He holds the second most senior office in the judiciary of England and Wales and was previously a Lord of Appeal and a High Court Judge and then a member of the Court of Appeal. He is also a Privy Councillor. Lord Neuberger will be made an Honorary Doctor of Laws during ceremonies to recognise achievements in the University’s Business School on Thursday, 4 November.