The University of Bolton celebrates an historic occasion tomorrow as part of two days of celebrations for students graduating.
More than 2,130 students graduate from the University this summer with family and friends sharing in two days of Degree Congregation Ceremonies held at the Victoria Hall, Bolton on July 15 and 16.
The Friday morning ceremony sees the installation of the University's first Chancellor, The Baroness Morris of Bolton OBE DL
But centre-stage for four ceremonies are 1,191 students who have travelled from as far away as Malaysia, Zambia and China to be a part of their University's graduation ceremonies. Among those graduating on Thursday were Sarah Dixon, Rachel Taylor, Lu Lou, Wayne Watkins and Ian Fitzpatrick.
Sarah makes degree and family add up
Super student Sarah Dixon has graduated with a first class degree in Accountancy, and has landed a high-flying job in the accounts department of a major company. Her achievement is all the more remarkable since she has worked as well as studied and between her second and third years, she had her baby son, Harry.
'The University was really flexible, and my partner and family have all been amazingly supportive. I was able to return to my degree course after I had my baby. It wasn't easy and I have worked hard, but it has really paid off and my career is taking off now.'
Rachel is ahead of the rest
Sports Development graduate Rachel Taylor has set herself apart from the competitive graduate job market. Not only did she work in local authority sports development whilst completing her course, she graduated with First class honours. 'I hope that my degree and practical experience will give me an edge'. Rachel is already hard at work in sports development in Tame side.
Celebrating PhD success
Dr Lu Lou has achieved the university's highest honour and celebrated her PhD success with her family. Her doctorate explored how knowledge management functions are integrated into management information systems, creating a dynamic framework for the effective management of higher education.
Dr Lu has joined the staff of the University of Sheffield.
The world at their feet
Wayne Watkins and Ian Fitzpatrick are inspiring a new generation to fall in love with the beautiful game. Both are celebrating their degree and business success - appropriately enough on the day that 'Big Sam' was awarded an honorary degree for his contribution to the game.
Wayne achieved a First class honours and Ian a 2:1 in Sports Development. Their academic success is matched by success on the pitch and in the boardroom. Both are professional football coaches and entrepreneurs. Ian is a former Manchester United pro-footballer and coach, and Wayne is directing football coaching for a leading Cypriot team. Their business World at Your Feet Soccer Academy offers innovative coaching programmes for children, young people and adults in the UK, Europe and soon Indonesia. Their team delivers a range of courses that have been influenced, designed and created by top UEFA coaches, former pro-football players, and talent scouts worldwide.
Their academic success underpins their practical experience, and combined with their passion and drive, the pair seem unstoppable. Wayne says: 'I have loved my academic study and would like to pursue a PhD in the future, researching and evaluating coaching methodologies. It is interesting to see how approaches to sport have impacted on the national game. The 'sports for sports sake' approach misses out the need to 'win' and it depends on how you define win. My course has allowed me to explore ideas, and I have had great lecturers who really know their stuff.'
Pictured is Sarah Dixon and below, Wayne Watkins and Ian Fitzpatrick