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Darlington graduate looking towards a bright future

Graduate Alison Davies is looking forward to a brighter future after completing a degree in Darlington.

Alison, who graduated with a BA (Hons) Business Management (Hospitality), was the winner of a University prize draw as one of over 100 graduates who accepted their honours at the recent graduation ceremony at Darlington’s Civic Theatre. The draw, which was open to all of the University’s 2011 Darlington graduates, aimed to raise awareness of the University’s Alumni Association while also offering the opportunity to win a bottle of champagne.

Alison, 44, of Thornaby, said: ‘The highlight of my time studying has to be the graduation. It was an awesome experience. It’s never too late to learn. Follow your heart and push yourself to achieve what you want and in the end you will succeed.’

Now looking to the future, Alison welcomes the development of the new £13m º£½ÇÖ±²¥ campus which is due to open this summer.

The new build has been funded by the University, One North East, via Tees Valley Unlimited and Darlington Council and is closely supported by Darlington College.

A determination to succeed Alison said: ‘I’ve visited the site of º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s new Darlington campus and it is looking good. It’s almost ready for the new term.

‘I feel being part of a University gives you more determination to succeed and complete your chosen degree. The new campus will bring business and job opportunities to Darlington.’

Darlington Campus Director, Nigel Evans, said: ‘The new campus development, opening in September, will deliver an iconic new building for Darlington's skyline while demonstrating º£½ÇÖ±²¥'s commitment to the delivery of University programmes for people from Darlington and beyond.’

Alison said of her time studying towards the degree: ‘Having left school with hardly any qualifications and having a career change, I’d always wanted the challenge of studying towards a degree, but never thought it would be possible.

‘I enjoyed being part of a small group of various ages and had belief in myself. I was determined to achieve my degree.’

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