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27 Sep 2006 15:05:50
£200k cash-boost for scholarships and bursaries announced at celebration
The Chairman of the Board of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (Hefce) has praised the University of Bedfordshire for reaching out to students from non-traditional backgrounds and for making a difference to their lives.
David Young, who heads-up the organisation responsible for funding UK universities, was speaking at a special celebration for friends and supporters of the University last Friday (22 September) to commemorate the recent merger with DMU’s Bedford campus.
In his speech, Mr Young praised the vision shown by those involved with the merger. He said: “The arrival of Vice Chancellor, Professor Les Ebdon, to the University marked a turning point for the institution. The University was going through one of its most challenging periods and needed a strategic plan to turn it around. The plan submitted to Hefce showed true vision and we were in no doubt that it would succeed.
“Since then, the University has focussed on its key strengths, as well as maintaining and building on its quality teaching, strong partnerships and most importantly, reaching out to students from non-traditional backgrounds to offer them access to higher education. They delivered results and made their vision a reality.”
During the celebrations, University Chancellor, Sir Robin Biggam, announced that the newly-formed Development Office had raised £200,000 in the run-up to the merger, thanks to donations from local companies and individuals. The money will go towards scholarships and bursaries to support students through their degree programmes.
Representatives from China Agricultural University (CAU) also joined the celebrations and presented a golden dragon to Professor Ebdon. President of CAU, Dr Fu, said: “In China, a dragon is a symbol of great strength and power.
“We know that the University of Bedfordshire will go on to achieve enormous success and will be, in its own right, a ‘dragon University’. We look forward to building our relationship with the institution particularly as they have successfully trained so many journalists from Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games.”
Two honorary awards were presented at the ceremony – an Honorary Master’s of Arts to local musician Peter Bussereau for his contribution to the local community, and an Honorary Fellowship to former University Chair of the Board of Governors, Dr David Docherty, for his role in the formation of the new University.
In his speech, Professor Ebdon said he believed the new University would bring with it many benefits. “The merger has boosted student numbers to over 17,000 and the number of staff working across our campuses has risen to 1,080. This will have a positive impact on the region’s economy, with independent research showing that universities contribute up to £163m to their local economies.
“We are delighted to celebrate this new chapter in our history with so many friends and supporters and the excellent turn out today shows the backing we have on a local, national and international scale.”
The event, which was hosted in the grounds of the University’s Putteridge Bury campus, was attended by more than 280 guests. These included representatives from partner colleges in the UK, China, Poland and Oman, and friends from Cyprus and Latvia. MPs, Mayors and councillors, as well as business leaders, clergy and representatives from NHS Trusts and Strategic Health Authorities also attended.
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Latest news» 2006» Sep» Praise for new University as supporters gather to celebrate merger
