Chancellor opens week of graduation ceremonies
Wed, 11 Nov 2015 11:05:00 GMT
The November graduation week contains 14 ceremonies and honours over 1,400 students
NEWLY-trained teachers from the University of Huddersfield were given a mission by their Chancellor, HRH The Duke of York, KG, “Go forth and educate!” he told them at the close of their graduation ceremony.
“It is up to you to be the inspiration for young people,” he said.
The Duke was launching a week of graduation ceremonies at the University, the first time he had done so since being installed as Chancellor in July. Students from the University’s School of Education and Professional Development were the first to receive their awards, which included a wide range of degrees, certificates and teaching qualifications.
“Every single person in this room can remember a teacher or a member of staff that inspired them,” said The Duke at the close of the opening ceremony. “So those of you going into teaching are going to have to think how you will inspire the next generation.”
His Royal Highness told the audience at St Paul’s Hall that he had never had the opportunity to go to university, joining the Royal Navy instead. But during his service he had learned lessons that stayed with him.
His Naval service inspired him to do so much more in life, said The Duke, who piloted a helicopter whilst in the Royal Navy during the Falklands War.
“Go and inspire young people to follow what dreams they have, and encourage them to aspire to something quite outstanding.”
The Duke congratulated the graduates on the hard work they had put in, but urged them to keep on learning.
“It is only through learning that we can improve ourselves and inspire others. Teaching is about encouraging learning rather than sitting in a classroom and being spoken at. The days of the blackboard are over!”
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield, Professor Bob Cryan, opened the ceremony and among the dignitaries in attendance were the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, and the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Paul Kane.
Professor Cryan listed some of the University’s achievements over the past year, including the high proportion of graduates gaining employment, and that it was in the top ten for the quality of its estates and at first place in the country for financial strength.
The November graduation week contains 14 ceremonies, conferring awards on over 1,430 graduates.
