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Honours for science, engineering and computing

Graduates of the University’s School of Computing and School of Science & Engineering were honoured at the University’s second day of academic ceremonies.

The wide range of courses from both schools included creative digital media, computer animation, digital music creation, crime scene science, food and consumer safety, biotechnology, chemical engineering and disaster management. Honorary degree for Andy Lomas Andy Lomas also received his second honorary degree from º£½ÇÖ±²¥, a Doctorate in Professional Achievement.

He first received an honorary Master of Arts degree from º£½ÇÖ±²¥ in 2004 and has returned as a guest speaker at the University’s annual international festival of animation and computer games, Animex.

After achieving a master’s in computer graphics from º£½ÇÖ±²¥, Andy went on to achieve international success in this field. His work has featured on the small and big screen, including work on the triple-Oscar-winning Avatar, directed by James Cameron. He now works for The Foundry, a leading UK company for writing software for use in visual effects.

Andy said: 'I’m very happy to get a second degree from º£½ÇÖ±²¥, it’s a really great honour. I have good memories of my time at º£½ÇÖ±²¥. The group I studied in all had different backgrounds, mathematicians, photographers, nuclear physicists, but we were all really enthusiastic and helped each other out. Computer Graphics has gone from strength to strength at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ since my first graduation.'

Among the many graduates was Craig Henry, from Hartburn, Stockton-on-Tees. The BSc (Hons) Digital Forensics graduate now works in London as an IT consultant.

The University helped me so much in my career He said: 'It’s been a wonderful day. The course and the University helped me so much in my career and I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime. It’s been brilliant seeing everyone including the staff, who were all very supportive.'

Rachael Davies, of Darlington, who was graduating with a First Class BSc (Hons) Disaster Management, took a year out from her degree to work as an army Captain in Afghanistan, overseeing vital reconstruction work.

Rachael said: 'I had a fantastic experience at º£½ÇÖ±²¥, the staff are all very supportive. It’s a really big day for me, a culmination of everything which I’ve worked towards. It’s been great seeing everyone again from the course. When I started the course four years ago I never imagined what this day would be like. It’s a really important day for me.'

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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