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Bob Geldof and Sir Robin Wales among Newham stars at UEL’s first graduation ceremony

Wednesday 29 October 2008

Sir Bob Geldof and Sir Robin Wales were among thousands of graduates and their families from the University of East London (UEL), including many Newham residents, celebrating their academic success on Monday 27 October.

Lord Rix, Chancellor of UEL, personally awarded degrees and diplomas to over 400 graduates of UEL’s School of Computing and Technology crossing the stage at the Barbican Hall. “I am immensely proud to be this university's chancellor as I am sure all those of you graduating today are proud of your university”, he said.

The first of a series six of UEL graduation ceremonies held between now and December, the event was an extra special occasion with world renowned campaigner and musician Bob Geldof being awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music and Sir Robin Wales, elected Mayor of Newham, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws.

Sir Bob has connections with UEL’s SMARTlab Digital Media Institute through involvement in the Commission for Africa, and YOUBLOOM, a new local-global online social network for ethical arts, created by long time friend and collaborator Dr Phil Harrington.

Sir Robin congratulated all the graduates and said: "I am proud to receive this award. We have a vision for Newham as the youngest place in the UK and the most ethnically diverse place on the planet. It is a fantastic and dynamic place for young people under 25 but there is also a lot of poverty and we want to raise people’s aspirations.

"That's why I support the Olympics because it will inspire young people to do better. We must encourage all our people to aspire to a better life in the same way that you have achieved your degrees here today. UEL is a big part of this and I thank you for what you have given me today, and for the contributions you are making in Newham."

Sudarshan Bhuhi, Chief Executive of Stratford-based domestic violence charity Aanchal, received an Honorary Fellowship and Ted Parker, recently retired principal of Barking College, was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education.

Professor Susan Price, acting Vice-Chancellor of UEL said: “Congratulations are due to everyone here as today is a culmination of hard work and sacrifice from all the graduates. We hope each and every one of you will look back at your time here and remember this day.”

Bob Geldof gave an inspirational speech, quoting poetry and explaining how more needs to be done to fight poverty and injustice. He said: “For us it’s a great day, for you it’s an amazing one. What will determine the economies of our world are energy and ideas, and this room is full of energy and ideas.”

UEL's School of Computing and Technology ceremony is the first of six UEL ceremonies taking place between now and December. The second is on the 5 November and will be for the School of Architecture Visual Arts, Health and Bioscience.

Newham resident, Akber Rashid, 22, graduating in a HND in Computing, Business Information and Technology, said: “I am so proud, happy and honoured to be here today. During my time at UEL, I found the lecturers to be helpful and supportive and there were a lot of valuable resources in the library.”

Newham resident Ambuvennila Sivasankar, 26, graduating in MSC Computer Systems Engineering said: "I feel so excited, it's been really innovativing at UEL. The lecturers gave us good co-operation and guidance. I am so happy that I can't express that in words."

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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