Nov 4 2011 11:00AM
The curtain has come down on yet another successful year of UCS graduation ceremonies, with over a thousand graduating students based at UCS Ipswich, UCS Otley and UCS at Suffolk New College toasting their achievements with family and friends during the final ceremonies held at the Ipswich Town Hall.
Welcoming the graduating students and their guests to the Ipswich Town Hall was UCS Provost and Chief Executive, Professor Mike Saks.
“I am delighted to see you here today and to be involved in celebrating the success of those graduating from UCS. As students you have lived through some of the changes that have allowed UCS to become better established- from building developments, to the establishment of new courses as the number of UCS students continue to grow exponentially.”
Those receiving Honorary Graduates included entrepreneur William Kendall|, medical director Dr Akmal Makhdum|, Evening Star Editor Nigel Pickover|, leading dance actor Gary Avis|, TV soap opera star June Brown|, and experienced sports leader Simon Clegg|.
During his address to those students graduating from the School of Business, Leadership and Enterprise, William Kendall described receiving his award as a great honour and surprise and used his vast experience in running global businesses such as Green & Black and Adnams to offer advice.
“This is my adopted county and it’s a great honour to be given another connection with a place that I love and that I’m incredible proud of.”
He added: “My challenge to you is to use your degree to get involved in a new dynamic business: start one or just help run one, it’s going to be better for your wealth, better for your health, better for society, better all round. There are great opportunities out there and you have worked very hard, so you deserve the best of luck.”
Students from the School of Nursing and Midwifery were addressed by Honorary Graduate Dr Akmal Makhdum- deputy medical director at Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.
He told the on looking graduates: “Do not let failure deter you; it is a natural experience in part to a better and wiser life in the process of living. I thank UCS and all those who felt I deserved this honour, I commit to doing my best for this young and vibrant institution.”
The final cohort of students to graduate during the first day of ceremonies was from the School of Science, Technology and Health. Nigel Pickover, Editor of Ipswich’s highly successful Evening Star paper, received his Honorary Award during the ceremony.
Nigel said: “UCS is an outstanding success story and I am so proud to have been a small part of this through the years. Right from the start, my newspaper, The Evening Star, has been a strong supporter of your University.”
He concluded with a few words of advice for the graduating students: “Continue to work hard, but remember to play hard too- as if you would forget.”
Widely recognised as a Ballet Master, Ipswich born and raised Gary Avis was awarded an Honorary Doctorate during the ceremony for the School of Arts and Humanities. Unfortunately, Gary could not make the ceremony in person due to dress rehearsals for a Royal Opera House Show which has its opening night this evening.
“Firstly I would like to apologise that I am not able to be there in person today. I feel terribly proud to receive this wonderful honour.”
He continued by offering some words of advice to the graduates. “Never ever close your mind to learning whatever you can, whenever you can. Try your best to take something positive from every situation you experience and learn as much as you can from the people around you.”
British actress June Brown, best known for her role as the busy-body, chain smoking gossip Dot Cotton, took to the stage during the ceremony for the School of Applied Social Sciences and gave a joyous speech after being congratulated on her Honorary Doctorate via a video message from fellow actress and friend Barbra Windsor and TV chat show host Paul O’Grady.
“My message to you all is these three things- hope faith and charity. No, what was it I said? Procrastination, don’t worry, have hope….I think I may have missed something out but you can make the rest up. I’ll set you an exam on all of these subjects!”
The final ceremony of the year was also for students from the School of Applied Social Sciences and featured Honorary Graduate and experienced sports leader Simon Clegg.
Simon is well known to the County as the Chief Executive of Ipswich Town Football Club and as Chief Executive of the British Olympic Association during the successful 2012 Olympic Games.
“Today is a great day for all of you who are graduating. The future is bright and the future is yours.”
He concluded with a light-hearted comment: “As you leave here today elated and hopefully a little bit inspired and ready to knock grey haired gentleman like me off our pedestal, just remember one thing- age and treachery will always defeat youth and skill.”
In total, over 1,600 students have graduated from UCS at ceremonies held at Bury St Edmunds, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Ipswich this year. UCS looks forward to celebrating the successes of thousands more students next year.
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