Tag Archives: honorary doctorate

Former Operations Director for RNLI receives BU Honorary Doctorate

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The former Operations Director for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has received an Honorary Doctorate from Bournemouth University.

Michael Vlasto OBE received the Doctor of Technology award during the graduation ceremony for students from the School of Design, Engineering and Computing.

Michael retired from the RNLI earlier this year, after 39 years’ service, and he is currently chairman of the International Maritime Rescue Federation, which unites the world’s maritime rescue organisations.

In 2005, he was appointed OBE for services to maritime search and rescue.

Michael said it was a “very pleasant surprise” to be awarded the Honorary Doctorate from BU.

“It feels a little bit spooky for a practical seafarer, because I went to sea with 9 O levels, got no A levels, no degree and I’ve not really spent much time at university so this is a very pleasant surprise.”

He added that he felt it was important that there is a good relationship between Bournemouth University and the RNLI, which has its headquarters in Poole.

Previous projects they have worked together on include BU academics giving RNLI staff lectures on marketing and fundraising, and researchers from the School of Design, Engineering and Computing helping improve the safety and efficiency of the RNLI’s slipway launch system.

Michael said: “The RNLI is part of the infrastructure of the local community and a lot of the young people coming here to study will obviously move on to other parts of the coast and hopefully show an interest in the RNLI wherever they may be.

“I’ve come from a practical world but the academic world certainly has its place and it’s getting the balance between the practical applications of things you learn in fine universities like this that brings it all together.”

More than 5,000 graduates from across Bournemouth University were handed their degree certificates in six different ceremonies at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Professor John Vinney, vice-chancellor of Bournemouth University, said: “Bournemouth University takes great pride in our Honorary Graduates.

“We recognise people who have excelled in their chosen field who will act as inspirational role models, both for our graduates and their families at the awards ceremonies and for our whole student body in the coming years.”

Golf leader and sports coach receive BU Honorary Doctorates

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A prominent international leader in golf and the sports coach credited with helping the England team win the Rugby World Cup have received Honorary Doctorates from Bournemouth University.

Prominent leader in golf and leisure management, writer and consultant Eddie Bullock and sports performance coach David Alred received their awards at the graduation ceremony for the School of Tourism.

Eddie, who received a Doctor of Business Administration from BU, has worked closely with the university – helping to support and mentor students.

“It was a huge surprise to me when I first was notified, so I’m very honoured and very privileged,” he said.

“To be honoured by Bournemouth University is exceptionally special to me. We’ve got a great group of students here on the golf programme and I’m involved heavily with mentoring and guiding them through.

“I’m a great advocate for more education within golf management and Bournemouth University is certainly at the fore to develop that and to be able to guide them through that from the academic side to the practical side.”

His advice to graduating students was to keep pushing themselves and remain passionate about what they do.

“My words of wisdom are really just to be passionate about what you do, to have fun, be innovative, be creative.

“Nothing gets any better than hard work and making sure you get out there and do your very, very best. Whatever you do today, always improve by 1 per cent tomorrow.”

Also receiving an Honorary Doctorate during the School of Tourism graduation ceremony was sports psychologist and performance coach David Alred MBE.

David, who received an honorary Doctor of Education award, is one of the world’s most renowned kicking coaches, credited with training Jonny Wilkinson and the England rugby team to victory in the 2003 world cup.

David was awarded an MBE for services to rugby in 2004 and said that he was pleased to be receiving his BU Honorary Doctorate alongside the graduating students.

“It was really good but also, almost more importantly, to be part of that cohort of students, that have got over that first threshold of their degree.

“I’m just hoping that they see that as the beginning of something new, rather than the end of something, and if I’ve got that across maybe to a small percentage, then it’s been a massively worthwhile day.

He added that he wanted the graduates to remain passionate about learning.

“You never stop learning – and if somebody asks you to do something that you’ve never done before, that’s the reason for doing it,” he said.

“That’s something that goes into your bank of expertise that no course, no academic qualification can ever give you and that adds to the richness of how you can perform and you’ll get better.”

More than 5,000 graduates from across Bournemouth University were handed their degree certificates in six different ceremonies at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Professor John Vinney, vice-chancellor of Bournemouth University, said: “Bournemouth University takes great pride in our Honorary Graduates.

“We recognise people who have excelled in their chosen field who will act as inspirational role models, both for our graduates and their families at the awards ceremonies and for our whole student body in the coming years.”

Paralympic sailor receives Honorary Doctorate from BU

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A Paralympic sailor who made history by winning gold at the London 2012 games has received an Honorary Doctorate from Bournemouth University.

Helena Lucas MBE received her Doctor of Arts at the ceremony for graduates from the School of Applied Sciences.

She was the first British sailor ever to win a Paralympic gold medal, after winning in the single keelboat event in Weymouth.

Helena, who is also a successful yacht designer, said that receiving the Honorary Doctorate from BU was “absolutely amazing.”

“It was the last thing I expected to be offered,” she added. “It was a real honour and a real pleasure.”

Helena, who is currently training for the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016, added that her advice to graduates was to dream big and not give up.

“If you dream big, the chances are you’ll achieve your goals,” she said.

“I think it’s a case of never giving up. If you’ve got a dream and you’ve got a goal, just keep working towards it. There will be the odd curveball here and there, the odd disappointment, but never give up and keep going.

“I think that’s the message that I want to get across to the students – it won’t be easy, it will be tough out there, but with determination and commitment and dedication, you can achieve whatever you want to achieve.”

More than 5,000 graduates from across Bournemouth University were handed their degree certificates in six different ceremonies at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Professor John Vinney, vice-chancellor of Bournemouth University, said: “Bournemouth University takes great pride in our Honorary Graduates.

“We recognise people who have excelled in their chosen field who will act as inspirational role models, both for our graduates and their families at the awards ceremonies and for our whole student body in the coming years.”

Science presenter & chiropractic leader get BU Honorary Doctorates

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Scientist and television presenter Professor Alice Roberts and international chiropractic leader Dr Kenneth Vall have received Honorary Doctorates from Bournemouth University.

They both received their awards at the graduation ceremony for students from the School and Health and Social Care.

Alice is anatomist, author and broadcaster, well known for presenting programmes including Coast and Digging for Britain – which have featured BU academics and research.

She said she was pleased to be back at BU and honoured to be receiving the honorary Doctor of Science award.

DSC_7408“It’s an absolute delight and an honour to be receiving an honorary doctorate, and I’m really pleased to be here at Bournemouth University,” she said.

“I’ve made friends with a lot of Bournemouth University academics over the years and I’ve interviewed them for all sorts of different programmes on the BBC, so it was really nice to come here and catch up with those colleagues today.”

She added: “I’m absolutely delighted to be graduating with a lot of students in health disciplines, who are already out there working and helping people and improving people’s lives.”

Also receiving an Honorary Doctorate at the School of Health and School graduation ceremony was Dr Kenneth Vall, an international leader in chiropractic.

Kenneth, who became an honorary Doctor of Education at the ceremony, was Principal of the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (AECC) from 2004 to 2012 and helped consolidate its reputation as one of Europe’s foremost chiropractic educational institutions – as well as building strong links between the college and BU.

He said receiving the Honorary Doctorate was one of the proudest moments of his life.

“I’ve been involved in education and in caring for patients all my working life and this is the premiere accolade, so I’m delighted. It is one of the proudest moments in my life so far.

1312113730001“I would always advocate Bournemouth University to young people but I think that my institution, which I have now left, will seek a relationship which is long-lasting. There is good synergy, particularly with the School of Health and Social Care, and I think that relationship is extremely valuable.”

His advice to the graduates was to look after themselves, as well as their patients.

“They should obviously care for their patients, and I’m sure they will, but they should also care for themselves and look after their own health.

“Exercise, have a good diet and create good habits that you live through for the rest of your life and the work will be so much more rewarding, because you set an example to your patients.”

More than 5,000 graduates from across Bournemouth University were handed their degree certificates in six different ceremonies at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Professor John Vinney, vice-chancellor of Bournemouth University, said: “Bournemouth University takes great pride in our Honorary Graduates.

“We recognise people who have excelled in their chosen field who will act as inspirational role models, both for our graduates and their families at the awards ceremonies and for our whole student body in the coming years.”

Olympic gold medallist shooter receives Honorary Doctorate from BU

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A world record holder sports shooter, who won gold at the London 2012 Olympics, has received an Honorary Doctorate from Bournemouth University.

Peter Wilson MBE – who grew up in Sherborne, Dorset –  received the accolade during the Business School graduation ceremony.

Peter took a Gold Medal in double trap shooting at the 2012 Olympics, won the World Cup in 2011 and 2012, and holds UK and World records. He was awarded an MBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours List for services to shooting.

He said he felt “honoured” to receive the Doctor of Arts award from BU.

“I couldn’t quite believe it, I still can’t quite believe it,” he said.

“It’s a bit like the Olympics all over again – your heart’s racing, your blood’s up and you’re just so excited and really honoured.

“It’s great to come back. My roots are here, my family’s here and so I feel very privileged, very humbled.”

Peter added that he works closely with local schools to promote sports, and believes it’s important for students to stay active and healthy while at university.

“Find a sport that you enjoy playing and just take part – whether it be team or individual,” he said.

“I think it’s actually quite healthy – it gets you out of the house and away from study for that small segment of the week, and gives you a bit of a breather.”

He added that his advice to the graduating students was to push themselves and do everything they could to reach their best.

“It’s a tough world out there, so it’s not easy – you’ve got to find something you love, you’ve got to be passionate about it and you’ve got to push yourself to be the best you can be.

“I spoke about that a little bit to all of the graduates and parents about that one motto which drove me through the Olympics – and that is do everything in your power to get the best possible result out of yourself.”

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More than 5,000 graduates from across Bournemouth University were handed their degree certificates in six different ceremonies at the Bournemouth International Centre.

Professor John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, said: “Bournemouth University takes great pride in our Honorary Graduates.

“We recognise people who have excelled in their chosen field who will act as inspirational role models, both for our graduates and their families at the awards ceremonies and for our whole student body in the coming years.”

BU celebrates success during graduation week

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Over 5,000 BU graduates celebrated this week as they were handed their degree certificates during six graduation ceremonies.

The ceremonies, which all took place at the Bournemouth International Centre, saw students collect their awards alongside eight honorary doctorates before celebrating with fellow graduates at a champagne reception.

Former students from all six Schools were reunited with former classmates and lecturers for the first time since completing their studies in May to celebrate the completion of their degrees together.

Receiving their awards alongside BU graduates; the eight honorary doctorates included golf professional and consultant Eddie Bullock, television presenter and anatomist Professor Alice Roberts and Olympic Gold medallist Peter Wilson MBE.

Also honoured were Paralympic Gold medallist Helena Lucas MBE, international sports performance coach David Alred MBE, former Director of Operations at the RNLI Michael Vlasto OBE, former Principal of the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (AECC) Dr Kenneth Vall and academic and 7/7 bombing survivor Professor John Tullock.

At the ceremony Professor Alice Roberts (pictured) said, “It’s an absolute delight and an honour to be receiving an honorary doctorate, and I’m really pleased to be here at Bournemouth University. I’ve made friends with a lot of Bournemouth University academics over the years and I’ve interviewed them for all sorts of different programmes on the BBC, and it was really nice to come here and catch up with those colleagues today. And to be here receiving my own doctorate is wonderful.”

Professor John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, said, “I am delighted to be celebrating the success of our brilliant graduates once again. Graduation is one of the highlights of our university calendar and it fills me with pride to see so many students achieving their goal of attaining a degree. I hope that they will have long and successful careers and I know that they will continue to be valued members of the Bournemouth University community.”

The graduation ceremonies were also streamed online, where they were watched by around 5,500 viewers from 60 different counties.

First vice-chancellor of BU passes away

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Dr Bernard MacManus, the first Vice–Chancellor of Bournemouth University, died on 10th March.

Dr MacManus joined the Dorset Institute of Higher Education in 1983 and under his leadership it grew significantly and achieved polytechnic status, which in turn enabled Bournemouth to become a university under the Further and Higher Education Act of 1992. Dr MacManus played a significant role in extending BU´s Talbot Campus and established the second campus at the Lansdowne.

He retired from BU in 1994 and in 2007 he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University.