Congratulations to our graduands

Thousands of relatives and friends will be attending the award ceremonies which begin on Thursday 12 February, and many more will be watching the presentations from their homes throughout the UK and the world by logging on to a livestream.

Professor Julian Crampton, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “I wish each and every graduate success in their chosen career.

“The university is pleased to be able to play its full part in developing the next generation of  key professionals this country needs for its future success – and in fostering the creativity and skills which will generate the new ideas and enterprise required to face the global challenges of the 21st century.”

Graduates will collect their awards from Professor Crampton and Lord Mogg KCMG, Chairman of the Board of Governors.

The university’s prestigious Alumnus Award 2015 will be presented to Dr Gary Brickley, Senior Lecturer in the university’s School of Sport and Service Management, in recognition of his outstanding paralympic coaching achievements and field expertise.

Gary graduated in Sport Science and went on to complete his PhD in Exercise Physiology. An interest in clinical physiology led him to study for his Master of Science degree in Cardiology in 2003, making him a three-time Brighton graduate.

Gary, who has coached Great Britain paracycling medallists Dame Sarah Storey DBE, David Stone MBE and Darren Kenny OBE, said: “I am incredibly proud to be recognised for winning this year’s alumnus award. My education at the university has taken me on incredible journeys, filled with success.”

Gary’s journey is not unique and University of Brighton students graduating this year may be eligible to receive £3,000 scholarships or a 10 per cent discount for masters’ study.

A second University of Brighton Alumnus Award 2015 will be presented to Norman Cook, better known as DJ and music producer Fatboy Slim, for his major contribution to the music industry and his ongoing support of the university.

A student at what was then Brighton Polytechnic from 1982–1985, Norman achieved a BA in British Studies and has since become one of the country’s top DJs and producers.

Norman said: “I am proud with a capital ‘P’ to be receiving this award. I moved to Brighton to study for a degree 33 years ago and the city has been my home ever since. I am proud of my city, my education and my career and this award seems to celebrate all three in one happy event.”

BBC news anchorman Nicholas Owen will be presented with an honorary Doctor of Letters for his major contribution to journalism and services to charity.

Nicholas supports a host of charities and is an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust. He is also patron of the Argus Appeal, the Brighton newspaper’s charity which works in Sussex to help individuals, families, and other charities needing financial help. On learning of this award today Dawn Sweeney, the Argus’s managing director and acting chairman of the Argus Appeal, said: “‘Nicholas is our patron not only in word but also in deed. He gives his time freely to support our fundraising events and just as importantly he likes to meet the people and organisations who benefit from it.

“We are immensely proud to have Nicholas as our patron and we warmly congratulate him on his Honorary Doctorate – a very well deserved honour indeed.”