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3 Apr 2006 16:24:36
Milton Keynes-based jazz supremo, Sir John Dankworth CBE, has been honoured at the University of Luton’s graduation ceremonies at St Mary’s Church, where more than 300 students received their postgraduate awards last Thursday and Friday (30 and 31 March).
The musician, composer and conductor was joined by his wife, Dame Cleo Laine, to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Arts in recognition of his contribution to the cultural life of Milton Keynes and the surrounding area.
During his career he has played with some of the world’s best-known musicians including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole, and went on to set up the Wavendon Allmusic Plan in Milton Keynes, which led to the establishment of ‘The Stables’ – now a world-famous music venue.
Speaking to a packed St Mary’s Church, Sir John said: “I am very pleased to be associated with the University of Luton. I have always had an affinity with it, not just because of its proximity to my home, but because of its vibrant and diverse student population from across the world.
“I would like to thank the University for selecting me for this award, and I will do my best to uphold its reputation.”
A special award was also presented to student Tracey Matthews, who was commended for her academic excellence. She was presented with the Sir Ian Dixon Memorial Prize - an award given annually to the best student on a professional management course.
The mum-of-two was chosen by academic staff from Luton Business School for receiving a succession of A grades, which resulted in her achieving an MBA with Distinction.
In his address, Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon congratulated the awardees who are among the last to graduate from the University of Luton before its merger with De Montfort’s Bedford campus in August.
“Today’s awardees are leaving at a very significant time for the University. We are about to undergo our biggest change in 13 years as we merge with De Montfort University’s campus in Bedford, and we welcome the universal support we received to create a new university for Bedfordshire.
“I am pleased that there has been widespread approval of our desire to create a new University which better serves the needs of Bedfordshire and the wider community. We are proud of the contribution we have made to the local community, to economic regeneration and social cohesion, and our commitment remains as we move forward.”
The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the University’s successes abroad. He said: “The University has expanded its teaching programmes in Muscat, Kuala Lumpur, New Delhi, Oman and with future collaborations in Russia and Germany, our reputation can only continue to grow on an international level.”
During the ceremonies, five members of staff were conferred with Professorships - Cyril Weir, Alan Sinclair, Tiantian Zhang, Alexis Weedon and Chris Johns.
To find out more about postgraduate study at the University of Luton visit www.luton.ac.uk or call 0800 389 66 33.
Photos
Top: Sir John Dankworth CBE with his wife Dame Cleo Laine and Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon
Middle: Winner of the Sir Ian Dixon award Tracey Matthews with Lady Dixon
Bottom: Happy graduates in St Mary's Church
Latest news» 2006» Apr» Jazz legend honoured as 2006 graduation ceremonies get underway
