It's party time for graduates (From The Bolton News)

It's party time for graduates

1:10pm Friday 22nd June 2007 in

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HUNDREDS of students are toasting degree success at the University of Bolton.

Some students have travelled from as far away as Malaysia, Hong Kong and Pakistan, after studying for degrees administered by University of Bolton at affiliated institutions in their home countries.

In addition, the town welcomed more than 4,000 guests - proud family and friends of graduates.

Vice-chancellor Dr George Holmes told the audience in the first of two graduation days at Victoria Hall: "We have another cohort of very successful students and they now have a lifetime membership of the university. They have become an extension of the family of Bolton."

Yesterday's graduates included an honorary doctorate awarded to Dr Brian Tomkins, aged 66, for his services to education.

Dr Tomkins, who lives in Horwich, was instrumental in turning Bolton Institute into a university during his time as chairman of the board of governors. University status was awarded in 2004.

He said: "I grew up in Bolton and went to school here, but never worked here. Becoming a governor was a way of giving back to the town I lived in.

"I am very happy and privileged to have received this honour."

For Karen Isherwood, a married mother-of-three, receiving her degree was the fulfilment of a lifetime ambition.

For the past three years, Mrs Isherwood, aged 41, has been juggling raising a family with her studies, even finding the time work part-time as a lecturer in hairdressing at Bolton Community College.

Graduating with a 2:1 BA in professional development in education, Mrs Isherwood, who lives in Lowton, said: "I just want to show everyone, especially mums, that it is possible to go back to education and do it.

"It was challenging, but very rewarding."

Jennifer Clarke will now be heading off to Oxford after graduating with a first class BA (hons) in creative writing and writing for performance.

Ms Clarke, aged 21, has won a place at an esteemed poetry summer school run at Oxford University's Christ Church College.

She is one of 12 people chosen to take part in the Tower Poetry Summer School this August.

Ms Clarke was selected after sending in samples of her poetry. She will spend four days developing her writing and critical skills through a series of workshops.

The young graduate, originally from Essex, came to the University of Bolton because "it was the exact course" she was looking for.

She said: "I will spend four days in Oxford, which I am excited about. Then I will embark on a Masters degree in creative writing at the University of Manchester.

"After that I will probably go into teaching."

Graduate Rizwana, aged 21, is top of the class - quite literally.

She received more marks in her examinations than anyone else at the university, achieving a 98 per cent average.

Rizwana, originally from Mauritius, graduated with a first in mathematics.

She said: "It was great to find out that I got the best marks in the whole university. It was wonderful graduating, though I felt very nervous."

She will now go on to study a post-graduate certificate in education at the university.

Rizwana will follow in the footsteps of pals Leona Bowker, aged 23, from Rochdale, Debbie Matthews, aged 33, from Ramsbottom, and Zoe Charleson, aged 24, from Westhoughton.

They were all awarded the post-graduate certificate in education at yesterday's degree ceremony.

Ms Bowker said: "We will all be celebrating for a while before the next job of looking for teaching posts."

The second ceremony is being held today.