Tag Archives: Professor John Vinney

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.”

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 student Halls of Residence re-open after £8million transformation

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A Bournemouth University Halls of Residence has re-opened following a multi-million pound refurbishment.

Cranborne House, situated in St Paul’s Place near Lansdowne, has been completely transformed during the year-long, £8.3 million project.

All of the 497 bedrooms and bathrooms have received a makeover, while all 76 living rooms and kitchens have been refitted.

A new common room has been created with a large TV and table football, and an external social space has also been provided with seating and a brick barbeque.

Wireless internet has also been installed in the 15-year-old building, and students will be able to use wireless technology to check whether washing machines in the Halls’ laundrette are free.

Professor John Vinney, Vice-Chancellor of Bournemouth University, said: “It has been transformed from a building that has taken 15 years’ worth of student activity and use to a beautiful building that will accommodate over 500 students over term-time.

“It’s an essential part of the experience at BU. Student experience is absolutely key and it is delightful to see the building and the way it has been transformed.”

Cranborne House was closed while the work was carried out, but will be home to around 500 first year and postgraduate students from mid-September.

It is made up of six and seven bedroom cluster flats, all with en-suite shower rooms, and a number of self-contained studio flats.