Graduates celebrate their University success

It was a time for celebration as hundreds of people came to Edge Hill University for their graduation day.

Almost 400 students, along with nearly 600 guests and VIPs, attended the ceremonies which took place on the Ormskirk campus. The Pro-Chancellor, Christopher Trinick, presided over the events.

The graduates included both those receiving Edge Hill University awards, as well as students receiving awards from Lancaster University. The presentations included foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as higher education diplomas, and professional and postgraduate certificates.

Professor Tanya Byron, Chancellor of Edge Hill University, also presented an honorary masters award to the author, presenter and journalist Stuart Maconie. He is an alumnus of Edge Hill, having studied here in the early 1980s, and the award recognises his success in his professional life, promotion of the North West and championing the region's talent.

After graduation Stuart worked at Skelmersdale College as an English and Sociology teacher, before pursuing his dream of becoming a music journalist. He has worked for titles including The Times and the Guardian, and was deputy editor of NME. He is currently a columnist for Radio Times, Cumbria Life and The Mirror, among others.

Stuart has also written a number of books, is co-presenter of the Radio 2 evening show, Radcliffe and Maconie, and has his own show on BBC 6 Music. His TV appearances have included Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Phoenix Nights.

The graduation event was made more special by the fact it took place on the eve of the University's 125^th anniversary, which takes place in 2010.

The Vice-Chancellor, Dr John Cater, said: "Today we had the privilege of congratulating 400 graduates who will progress in careers in health, education and social care. We are delighted to be one of the country's leading providers for these professions and we wish all the graduates every future success."

Are you a graduate of Edge Hill University? Keep in touch with the Edge Hill Alumni Network, an online service which allows all graduates to receive all the news from their alma mater, benefit from exclusive discounts and offers, receive invitations to careers and networking events, as well as stay in contact with fellow graduates. To register, go to www.edgehill.ac.uk/alumni or call 01695 584861.