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Graduates honoured at UEL Computing and Technology award ceremony

Thursday 15 November 2007

Hundreds of University of East London (UEL) Computing and Technology graduates celebrated academic success with family and friends at a ceremony held at London’s Barbican Hall on Wednesday 14 November.

Professor Martin Everett, Vice-Chancellor of the University of East London, personally awarded degrees, diplomas and certificates to more than four hundred graduates of UEL’s School of Computing and Technology during the second of six graduation events to be held over the next few weeks.

The event was a particularly special occasion for Laindon resident Ronald Malyon, a leading figure in the construction industry who was awarded an Honorary Master of Technology. Ronald Malyon has successful career in the construction industry, during which he has worked on many important projects, including the renovation of Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, Kew Palace and the Lyceum Theatre.

Accepting his award, Ronald said: “In 1957, I began a carpentry apprenticeship at the South East Essex Technical College, one of UEL’s predecessor institutions. Who'd have thought that fifty years later I'd be invited back to receive such a wonderful honour.

“I’d like to congratulate the University itself for the invaluable work it does in providing opportunities for the people of East London and elsewhere. It doesn’t matter how old you are, or who you are, or where you come from, you never stop learning, and there’s only one person who can stop you achieving your dreams and objectives - and that's you!”

Robert Powell (27), of Purfleet, was also celebrating after achieving a first in his BSc (Hons) degree in Software Engineering. Robert, who achieved a spectacular 84% in his final year dissertation, said: “It feels fantastic to be graduating, especially with so many of my family here to see it.

“I’m now working as an Assets and Procurement Officer at the Greater London Authority, using my knowledge and skills to build software systems that can improve our procurement process.”

Professor Everett also presented an honorary award to Lucky Dhillon, a multiple-award winning broadcaster, with a successful media career that has spanned over two decades.

Amrit Vela Radio, Lucky's modern Sikh devotional programme, has proved a lasting popular success, and she was presented with the Media Professional of the Year award by Cherie Blair at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards 2007.

Accepting her award of Honorary Master of Business Administration, Lucky said: “Thank you so much for what could well be the best day of my life! This was my father’s dream and I’m so happy that he can be here to see this today at the age of 88.

“Always remember that the quality of a person’s life is in direct relation to their commitment to excellence in whichever field of endeavour they choose. Don’t waste time before time wastes you!”

UEL's School of Computing and Technology is renowned for innovative research and valuable industrial collaborations. Internationally recognised areas of research including satellite guidance systems, manufactured aggregates and pipeline technology.

In his address to the assembled graduates, UEL Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Everett said: “Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work and personal sacrifice, not only on the part of those of you who will be crossing the stage, but also on the part of parents, partners, children and friends.

“To all of you receiving degrees, diplomas and certificates today, remember that this is but one stage of your education. You have a lifetime of learning ahead of you. Build on your success, seize new opportunities, and broaden your horizons.”

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Andrew Millar (22), who graduated with a first from his BA (Hons) degree in Product Design Futures. Earlier this year, Andrew came runner-up in the 2007 New Designer of the Year award and won a prestigious national award from the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) for his innovative range of sustainable food utensils and packaging for use in the 2012 Olympics.

Andrew told his fellow graduates: "My degree has been an amazing experience. I’ve made lifelong friends; learnt from people who I’ve had utmost respect for; enjoyed the opportunity to study in Germany; and seen the exciting results at our end of year show.

“All the laughs, all the tears, all the people I met on the way – I wouldn’t change a second of these truly life-changing years, which have opened so many doors for myself, as I’m sure they have for all of us graduates.”

In total, around 3000 UEL students are graduating this year.

Ends/.

For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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