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1 Dec 2006 08:55:46
The first cohort of graduates of the new University of Bedfordshire were celebrating last week after receiving their postgraduate awards on Thursday and Friday (17 and 18 November).
More than 400 students from the faculties of Creative Arts, Technologies and Science (CATS) and Health and Social Sciences (HSS) were joined by family and friends as they received their awards at St Mary’s Church in Luton.
The University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon, said: “Students made history as the first cohort to graduate from the new University of Bedfordshire. They are the flagship ambassadors of the new institution, which aims to develop an excellent reputation for producing top-quality graduates, who will meet the needs of employers.”
Gail Werkmeister, President of the National Childbirth Trust, received an Honorary Doctor of Science degree in recognition of her work as President of the Trust and the achievements of the charity in its first 50 years.
It was also a day of special celebration for the University’s Director of the Institute for Health Research, Dr Gurch Randhawa, who was conferred with his Professorship.
Gurch has spent many years researching issues relating to diabetes, kidney disease and transplantation among minority ethnic groups. He pioneered research in the UK examining cultural and religious influences toward organ donation amongst South Asian groups, with a grant from the King’s Fund charity.
This research has been pivotal to the Department of Health’s South Asian and African Caribbean organ donor campaigns.
Gurch is the recipient of numerous grants from organisations such as the Kidney Research UK, Big Lottery Fund, the King’s Fund and the Department of Health and is currently carrying out research contributing to the improvement of diabetes and renal services. Gurch is also Chairman of Luton teaching Primary Care Trust.
Professor Ebdon added: “As well as congratulating our students, we must also thank families and friends for the support they have given their loved ones during their studies.”
The faculty of Health and Social Science, which delivers training at sites in Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire was praised by the Quality Assurance Agency’s (QAA) major review of healthcare programmes.
For further details about the range of healthcare and media courses available at the University of Bedfordshire, including its post-registration and Master’s programmes, call 0800 389 6633 or visit the web site at www.beds.ac.uk.
Latest news» 2006» Nov» First Beds graduation ceremonies get under way
