Students and staff came together to celebrate today (Thursday 9 July 2009) at the University of Bolton as two days of degree congregation ceremonies began.
More than 3,100 students graduate this summer with 1,025 attending ceremonies at the Victoria Hall with family and friends on Thursday and Friday.
Among those graduating on Thursday were five honorary award recipients. Honorary Doctorates were awarded to entertainer Vernon Kay and businessman Yakub Patel, as well as Bolton alumni and founders of the punk band, The Buzzcocks, Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto. Botswana education expert, Mathaka Mmapatsi, received an Alumni Fellowship.
Radio One DJ and TV presenter Vernon Kay announced he would be introducing himself 'game show stylie' and spoke of how proud he was to receive his honorary award. He congratulated students on their 'fantastic achievements at the end of what has been a significant part of your lives'.
Mathaka Mmapatsi dedicated his award to his colleagues from his days as a student in Bolton while Yakub Patel told his audience that he well recalled the challenges of studying and how much he valued the support of his family and friends.
Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto told students they were inspired by their tutor when they were students, the late David Melling, and wished all graduates every success.
University of Bolton Vice Chancellor, Dr George Holmes, congratulated those graduating said how proud he was of their achievements.
He spoke about the University's achievements over the past year, going from 'strength-to-strength' as it invested £10 million in new teaching and learning facilities within its Eagle Tower and Social Learning Zone. The University is also building a £30m health, leisure and teaching complex on Deane Campus, in partnership with its local council and primary care trust
He also commented on the University's expansion overseas – in September the University opened a campus in the United Arab Emirates. And he highlighted the University's success in the government Research Assessment Exercise which established the University as having eight research areas of international importance and two as a world-leading.
On Friday (10 July 2009) Bolton businessman, Anwer Patel, former Chair of the University governors, Lorraine Brannan and Manchester United and England footballer, Gary Neville all received Honorary Doctorates.
Anwer Patel, with his brother, Yakub, built the Cohens Chemists chain and are well known for their philanthrophy. Anwer told graduating students that he was 'proud and delighted to be associated with the Unviersity' which he described as a 'centre of excellence in bringing knowledge and skill to all'.
Lorraine Brannan, who was Chair of Governors for three years and a governor for six, talked about her 'deep-felt' excitement at receiving her award. Ms Brannan was Chair of Governors when the University was awarded University Title in 2005.
'Through my years as a governor I witnessed the University's evolution academically and physically, a tremendous experience, to see the University of Bolton become a wonderful, excellent University.' She paid tribute to the University's staff as a 'great team of people' who were the reason for its success.
She told graduates their success stories started here, that their success in graduating had depended on the suport of their friends and family and so they should go forward being able to 'give a little and take a little.'
Last to receive an award on Friday was Gary Neville. He told graduating students that just as they were considerig their futures, so he was now thinking about the next stage of his professional career.
'See this as the start of your challenges and your graduation about taking it to the next level,' he said.
He said he had learned the importance of fairness, loyalty and dedication as a boy, playing football and cricket in Bolton. 'I am proud to say I live in Bolton,' he added.
Pictured: Vernon Kay; Yakub Patel; Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto of The Buzzcocks; Anwer Patel; Lorraine Brannan and Gary Neville