Richard Farleigh joins 2012 graduates for celebrations on the South Bank

London South Bank University (LSBU) staff joined around 2,400 students from across the Faculties of Arts and Human Sciences, Business, and Engineering, Science and the Built Environment, and their families and friends to celebrate this summer's graduations.

L to r: Anisa Ali, President of the LSBU Students’ Union, Richard Farleigh, the new Chancellor of LSBU, and Professor Martin Earwicker, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of LSBU.

It was the first time that LSBU's July graduations were held in the prestigious and impressive surroundings of the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre, just a stone's throw from the University's Southwark campus.

Also at this year's ceremonies, which took place 23 - 25 July, Richard Farleigh was formally installed as Chancellor, in a ceremony traditional to universities. Richard Farleigh will hold the post of Chancellor for the next four years. As the University's ceremonial head, his role will include awarding degrees and acting as an ambassador to promote LSBU's work and ambitions.

The University also conferred honorary awards to a number of eminent names, recognising their contributions to LSBU and to the worlds of science, arts, the built environment and business.

Rt Hon Lord Mayor Alderman Michael Bear was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of London South Bank University, in honour of his contribution to the governance and mission of LSBU.

Recognised with Honorary Fellowships for their continued support for the mission of LSBU were:

  • Frank Brake - also recognised for his contribution to the field of refrigeration and as an LSBU alumnus.
  • Graham Chase - also recognised for his excellence in the field of the built environment.
  • Marcelle De Sousa - also recognised for her work in championing young people's needs, and her contribution to reshaping the healthcare landscape
  • Sarah Rose - also recognised for her contribution to the arts sector.
  • Hitesh Tailor - also recognised as an LSBU alumnus and particularly in the field of business.

Speaking to graduates at the ceremony, Richard Farleigh, the new Chancellor of LSBU, said: "A university education is the surest, safest way for anybody to move forward in life.

"The rest of your life is a golden opportunity starting from today. If you team imagination, drive and personality, the sky's the limit for what you can achieve in this day and age."

Professor Martin Earwicker, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of LSBU, said: "I wish all our graduates every success and happiness in the future and offer my personal congratulations to them all on their achievement.

"We shall certainly be watching the development of our graduates with keen interest and hope we can continue to be a resource for advice for them all in the years to come."

Earlier this year in May students from the Faculty of Health and Social Care also celebrated their graduations at the Royal Festival Hall.


Posted: 25th July 2012