Graduation celebrations
This year over 1,500 York St John graduating
students celebrated their academic achievements in York Minster.
The ceremonies took place on 18 and 19 November and were the first
attended by Professor David Fleming in his capacity as Vice
Chancellor. It was also the final year of the conferment of
University of Leeds’ degrees.
James Caan, one of the all-powerful investors
in the successful BBC series ‘Dragons’ Den’, was awarded an
Honorary Doctor of Business Administration at the ceremony on
Thursday 18 November. James received his Honorary Degree in
recognition of his success as an entrepreneur and business leader,
and for his generosity in using his experience to advise other
businesses and entrepreneurs, especially those from ethnic minority
backgrounds.
On receiving his Honorary Degree, James
said:
“I am incredibly honoured to receive such an
accolade amongst students who have achieved so much. Having left
school with no qualifications, I have been extremely fortunate to
have enjoyed success in business. In this difficult economic
climate, I would like to encourage all graduates to strive for
success, and help them believe that if you have passion and
unquestioning conviction in what you are doing you can achieve
anything.”
York St John also honoured Valerie Taylor and
Mr J Ramachandran at this year’s ceremonies. Valerie received an
Honorary Doctor of Health Sciences from the University in
recognition of her long and distinguished career and service to the
poor and disabled people of Bangladesh. Mr Ramachandran was awarded
an Honorary Doctor of Education in recognition of his contribution
to education and social development in India.
For further information please contact Amy Hall, PR
& Communications Officer on T: 01904 876466 or E: a.hall@yorksj.ac.uk