Final BU graduation ceremonies celebrate Health and Social Science graduates

Graduates from the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences took to the stage to receive their degree awards on the final day of BU’s graduation ceremonies.

Students graduating from such courses as social work, paramedic science, midwifery and nursing received their awards from Bournemouth University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Vinney.

Almost 700 students from the Faculty are graduating in two ceremonies today, with almost 4,000 students crossing the stage to shake Professor Vinney’s hand throughout the week.

Alongside the BU healthcare graduates taking to the stage are two honorary doctorates and an honorary fellowship. Peter Harvey DL will receive Doctor of Education as a part of the ceremony for his extensive work in the public sector. Peter Harvey has served as Chief Executive of Dorset County Council, and Chair of Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, as well as serving the university as Pro-Chancellor.

Talking about his history with BU, Peter said, “When I was at the County Council it was originally the Dorset Institute of Higher Education and I saw it become Bournemouth Polytechnic and then Bournemouth University. It was just wonderful to see it grow and see the way the development of the buildings have grown and the university itself is getting better and better, so it’s a great honour [to receive my award] today.”

Also receiving an honorary doctorate is Professor Sally Brown, also receiving a Doctor of Education. Sally is a leading academic, who has worked her whole life to raise standards of teaching in higher education. She has been instrumental in establishing the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme, and is a Principal Fellow at the Higher Education Academy.

She said, “It means a tremendous amount to me because as far as I’m concerned, universities are about the creation and the dissemination of knowledge.

“These occasions allow us to celebrate the successes of the students that are graduating today and it’s the sign of the strength and power of the university that there are so many people here today graduating, happy with their academic staff, happy with their experiences and supported by their family and friends.”

Former policeman Andy Scarratt is also receiving an Honorary Fellowship for his services to the university. Andy has a passion for community policing, leading the Universities Neighbourhood Policing Team from its inception in 2010 until his retirement in 2018. Andy is a well loved member of the BU community and is being recognised for the contribution he has made to student experience and safety.

Speaking about his time at BU, Andy said, “I think it’s a really friendly place and, what I’ve said all along, from top right the way down to the working staff the friendship at BU is noticeable.”

As well as over 2,000 family and friends in attendance to cheer on their loved ones, scores of people watched the live stream of the ceremonies. Onlookers watched the ceremonies around the world, from countries such as Lithuania, Zimbabwe and Egypt.

For a gallery of images from BU’s 2018 graduation ceremonies, visit BU’s Pinterest page.