September 2002
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Behind the Scenes at Graduation

A student's degree ceremony is a special occasion that will be etched in his or her memory for the rest of their lives. In July, more than 1,900 students graduated from the University. Their friends and families, along with academics and administrative staff who had worked alongside them, joined together in wishing them well for the future.

Although we were not able to record every story, News & Views was there to capture some of the stories behind this year's graduation.

Sister Francis Kidney (pictured left with a friend) (also known as Veronica) of St Anthony's Franciscan Convent, in Clayton, achieved a BA Degree in Social Studies. The degree day provided an opportunity for a double celebration for Sister Francis as her brother John and his wife Zsuzsi, who were there to see her graduate, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on the same day. Family friend Sister Grace travelled from Canada to attend the ceremony.

Sister Francis said: "The double celebration was a wonderful occasion. I praise and thank God for all the graces and blessings that has been given to me in reaching this day. I wish to thank everyone who has contributed their full support and encouragement in helping me get this BA Degree."

Sister Francis, who has always wanted to work with children, would now like to train to become a nursery nurse.

Mary Gilmartin (pictured right), 73, fulfilled her life-long dream when she graduated with a degree in Local and Regional Studies. Mary, who was one of five children, including three brothers, was only 14 when she left school to train as a short-hand typist. During the war she worked as a junior typist for Marks and Spencer, before becoming a GP's receptionist and then moving to Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Mary said: "My father could not afford to send us to university, especially having five children. In those days the boys were the breadwinners. At 63, I wanted to see if I could get my English Literature. I took my GCSEs for literature and language and then my A-levels and afterwards thought 'Why stop?' People wondered why I was bothering, but at Bradford University I was welcomed with open arms."

Also in July, former University student Paul Thomson returned to Bradford 25 years after first graduating with a degree in Social Sciences - this time as a proud father to see his daughter, Gemma (pictured left), receive her degree in Electronic Imaging and Media Communications. The day was full of coincidences for the Thomson family. While Gemma graduated during the Queen's Golden Jubilee year, the day brought back happy memories for Paul - who left the University when the Queen was celebrating her Silver Jubilee. Both father and daughter were 20 when they received their degrees. While at Bradford Paul, and his girlfriend Eileen, became good friends with University Pharmacy student Ian Phillips, and his girlfriend, Jane. Both couples married and have remained close friends over the last 25 years each becoming godparents to the others' children.

Eileen said: "I do not know how often you have past Bradford graduates attending the graduation of their children, or godchildren, but I imagine it is still fairly rare. It certainly made Gemma's day complete that we could all be together for her, and it certainly brought back some happy memories for Paul, Ian, Jane and myself."

The School of Engineering, Design and Technology saw its first Jowett scholar graduating when Tom England (pictured right) received a First Class degree in Mechanical Engineering with Management. Up to seven scholarships, worth £500 each, are awarded each year to students showing good achievement on entry to the course.

Ford Professor of Quality Engineering Professor Andrew Day said: "The Benjamin Jowett Memorial Scholarships were introduced three years ago with an endowment by Marjorie Illingworth, daughter of Benjamin Jowett, one of the founders of the Jowett Car Company, Bradford's only car manufacturer, in the early 1900s. It is remarkable that Tom England should get a First - the first Jowett Scholar has done very well."

Economics student Afaq Khan, 25, was celebrating after receiving a First Class degree.

He said: "Three years of hard work has been completed. It's a very special day for me and for all my family who are with me today. I think the Economics Department is very good and is backed up by an excellent Secretary, Kathy Chapman, who is always there for you. I think the University is very good and I have enjoyed studying here."

The ceremonies also provided an opportunity to reward staff for their commitment and enthusiasm to teaching. Dr Chris Knusel (pictured left) and Dr David Wright both received the Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Teaching, which were presented by Baroness Lockwood. Dr Chris Knusel, of Archaeological Sciences, has been lecturing at the University since 1991.

He said: "It is nice to know that students are benefiting from my classes and are enjoying them. It's good to know that I am making a good contribution to the world and it's rewarding to get feedback from your students which proves it's not just a one way street."

Asked about his top tip to other lecturers, he said: "Be well prepared, enthusiastic, and have an active insight into what you are talking about because it adds dimension, makes you feel more confident and it makes the class more interesting than just the printed version."

Dr David Wright (pictured right), of Pharmacy, has been lecturing at Bradford for over five years after graduating from the University with a PhD in Pharmacy Practice. His students wrote a 1000 word report commending Chris for the award.

When asked how he felt about the award, Chris modestly stated: "I just do my job really. I feel really pleased to have been given this award. It is very nice to receive the recognition from the students who are the hardest audience to please."

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