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Law and Psychology graduates celebrate success

Wednesday 25 November 2009

L-R Mark Stephens, Fiona Fairweather, Lord Rix, Susan Price, David Rose, Benita Refson, Elpha LeCointe, Howard Levenson

Graduates from the UEL's Schools of Law and Psychology celebrated their academic success at a joyous and uplifting awards ceremony on Tuesday 24 November at the Barbican Hall in the City of London.

Lord Rix, Chancellor of UEL personally congratulated each graduate as they crossed the stage in front of their proud families and friends. He also presented honorary awards to Howard Levenson, a Judge of the Upper Tribunal and former UEL lecturer, a barrister who specialises in Family Law and former UEL graduate, Elpha LeCointe, and children’s mental health campaigner, Benita Refson OBE, founder and chief executive of Children’s mental health charity Place2Be.

UEL’s School of Psychology is one of the UK’s leading centres for postgraduate professional psychology training, offering specialist programmes in Clinical, Counselling, Educational, Occupational and Positive Psychology.

The School of Law, which is a leading centre for human rights education and research, set up the first taught MSc in Terrorism Studies in England and has developed legal and criminological studies in an international and multicultural context.

Professor Susan Price, Acting Vice-Chancellor at UEL said: “I am delighted for everyone graduating here today and we wish you every success in the future.”

Judge Howard Levenson, a Principal Lecturer in UEL’s Law School for many years has a career defined by his commitment to defending civil liberties. He previously worked for Liberty, he has fought and won many civil rights cases, chaired a range of tribunals, and he became a Judge of the Upper Tribunal in 2008.

In his acceptance speech, Howard urged the law students: “Be a little impatient to make a difference, but not too impatient, because what you do now in your careers, you’ll see will have the greatest effect in thirty to forty years’ time. I urge you to use the Law for good, to help advance human rights and social justice.”

Elpha LeCointe graduated from UEL’s School of Law in 1986 and has worked tirelessly campaigning for the rights and freedoms of minorities. Elpha is a barrister with Coram Chambers and has frequently represented vulnerable and disadvantaged clients, such as, victims of domestic violence and she specialises in child protection. She is one of only two black women Deputy District Judges at the Principal Registry of the Family Division (PRFD).

Elpha said: “Looking out at your bright faces takes me back twenty-five years to when I graduated. Now it’s your turn to go out and make a difference, that’s not a request it’s an imperative!”

In 1993, Benita Refson founded the charity Place2Be which provides emotional and therapeutic work to primary school children. Today, the charity has dedicated rooms and a highly trained staff providing one-to-one counselling in 155 UK schools for children often suffering from severe behavioural problems.

Benita Refson, said: “The Place2Be offers hope, not hopelessness, for children and families who may be affected by a range of difficulties, such as, alcohol misuse, bereavement or family breakdown. The Place2Be makes useful, early, interventions for children to ensure sound mental health and happiness.”

Celebrating Success – prize winners and case studies

Psychology

Laura Wardle (30), of Prince of Wales Mansions in Wandsworth, who won the John Radford Prize for her degree BSc (Hons) Psychology, is now working as a therapist. Laura said: “I’m so proud of all the work I put into my degree and the recognition I gained for it. Today’s graduation ceremony is wonderful because it gives me a chance to meet up with all my lecturers who are so passionate about their subject.”

Teresa Canham (43), of Chingdale Road, Chingford, won the John Radford Prize for her degree BSc (Hons) Psychology, is now training to be a teacher. Teresa said: “I have had the most amazing journey and have surprised myself entirely. I never want to stop studying!”

Joanne Hill (35) of Harold Wood in Havering, won the John Radford Prize for her degree BSc (Hons) Psychology, is working as a local government officer. Joanne said: “I am very pleased to have my degree and this award. UEL has given me greater opportunity as well as enabled me to increase my skills and knowledge.”

Paula Booth (41) of Shenfield, Essex, won the British Psychological Society (BPS) Undergraduate Prize for her degree BSc (Hons) Psychology, is now working as a researcher. Paula said: “I’m ecstatic to have done so well in my degree and I couldn’t have done it without such supportive and friendly tutors at UEL.”

Idan Naor (25) of Woodford Green, Essex, who won the Aileen Gibson-Steel Memorial Prize for her BSc (Hons) Psychology, is now studying and teaching at UEL. Idan said: “It’s an honour to receive this award. My ambition is to help and motivate others to study and this award fuels that ambition.”

Law

Chantelle Huggins, (30), from Greenwich graduated in LLB (Hons) Law and won the Sweet & Maxwell prize which is awarded annually for the best Law graduate. Chantelle who is currently working as a paralegal secretary, said: “I’m very proud that my hard work paid off and the award has definitely motivated me to aim for even bigger achievements.”

Suzanne Duffy, (31), of Southwark who gave the Vote of Thanks speech at the graduation ceremony and also won the Law School Prize which is awarded annually for the best Criminology graduate for her degree in BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have been awarded my degree and my prize. It is a great honour.” Suzanne is currently working as a counter-fraud specialist.

Russ Middleton, (45), of Haywards Heath, West Sussex won the Dr Gerard Browne prize for his degree in MSc Terrorism Studies. Russ, who is a Metropolitan Police Officer, said: “As a mature student it was a challenge but worth it in the end. It just goes to prove if you apply your mind to study you can achieve anything.”

Matthew Sands (30) of Greenwich won the Edwin Lichtenstein Prize awarded annually for the best LLM student. Matthew, studied LLM International Law and Criminal Justice, said: “I am very proud. I had a great experience. I loved the lectures where we were encouraged to ask questions and to challenge.”

 

Melike Ekinci, (23), of Tottenham in Haringey won the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals Prize awarded annually for the best Criminology project. Melike graduated in BA (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice. Melike said: " Studying at UEL has been one of the best experiences in my life so far and I am glad to say that I enjoyed every moment of it."

Links:

  • School of Psychology
  • School of Law

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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