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Graduation is underway at º£½ÇÖ±²¥

Our annual academic ceremonies started on Monday 15 November, with over 600 graduating in two ceremonies from the School of Arts & Media and the School of Computing.

Courses ranged from foundation degrees in TV and film production to master of science degrees in information technology management. Among those graduating were Sara Thomson, BA (Hons) English Studies with Creative Writing, who said: 'Today is the end of three years of very hard work. My husband Mark and mam Joan are my guests and they say they’re very proud.'

Sara’s friend Lesley Brown added: 'I’m looking forward to getting together with everyone and seeing some of my favourite tutors again.'

Joanna Morris, BA (Hons) English Studies, added: 'I’ve had a brilliant time at º£½ÇÖ±²¥, I really enjoyed the course. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again and enjoying the ceremony, it’s what I’ve worked hard for over the past three years.'

Two honorary degrees In addition, two honorary degrees were awarded, in the first ceremony to Aston Martin design director Marek Reichman and in the second to globally renowned artist Mackenzie Thorpe.

Marek is a º£½ÇÖ±²¥ BA (Hons) Industrial Design graduate and received his first honorary master of science degree from º£½ÇÖ±²¥ in 2006. Today he was awarded a Doctorate in Professional Achievement. Marek also joined the academic procession to the Town Hall and said: 'It’s amazing to be honoured, I’m delighted and really proud. I love the enthusiasm of the University’s people and I can now say I studied at the University of the Year.

'The change from when I studied in the 1980s is really amazing, so much investment in the campus itself. I love coming back here to meet the new design students. I hope I’m giving something back by helping to nurture young talent.'

Middlesbrough-born Mackenzie received a Doctor of Arts. He first received an honorary Master of Arts from º£½ÇÖ±²¥ in 2000. His internationally renowned body of work draws on the Tees Valley and the voyages of James Cook for much of his paintings.

He said: 'It has been a massively emotional day and it’s still not sunk in yet, it’s all been a bit overwhelming. I’m really humbled. This is a great University and I’m really proud of the work it is doing.

'I left school with no qualifications, but as I’m creative it’s now looked on as a valuable commodity. My message would be that you can find jobs which use your imagination, your strengths and your creativity. You can come from an area that people may say is deprived and be successful. I guess that’s why I’m here again today. Nothing can hold you back but yourself.'

Changing lives This graduation we have launched our alumni development fund ‘It started with a gift...’ We are inviting graduates to give their own gifts back to the University to build a fund to support future students.

The gift of education is transformational and with Gift Aid and a matched giving scheme from the Higher Education Funding Council, a donation can be more than doubled - £15 is worth £37.95.

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