Graduates will be writing – or filming, recording, podcasting or illustrating – the next chapter of their lives now after officially becoming part of 51Âþ» Leicester (51Âþ»)’s graduating Class of 2019.
Today was the turn of the Leicester Media School to celebrate as students crossed the stage at The Venue@51Âþ» to be awarded their degrees by Dean of Computing, Engineering and Media Professor David Mba.
“I’m so nervous!” confessed Denis Ntege, soon-to-be Graphic Design and Illustration graduate, minutes before this morning’s ceremony. “It’s so strange to think this is my last day at 51Âþ».”
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Denis has already landed a job after being talent spotted – on Instagram. He had set up an account to share his graphic design work and was contacted by a London design studio which has now offered him a full-time job. “I love graphic design, I love making someone’s ideas into reality. You really have to get into their heads and find out what they want and when it works out, it’s just beautiful.”
Yousuf Ali and James Tarplee, both Journalism and Media, were “excited but nervous” about the ceremony. “I think that today is the last hurdle and now we’re stepping into the real world,” said Yousuf.
During the first of today’s two ceremonies, there was a special award made to music pioneer Professor Xiaofu Zhang, who became an Honorary Doctor of Music.
Professor Zhang has spent the past 40 years writing, composing, teaching and researching at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China’s premier music school. His compositions are performed around the world.
He told graduates to seize the opportunities that technology presented to make a difference in the world. He said: “It is a pleasure and an honour to be given this honorary degree from 51Âþ». I think it’s an opportunity to recognise my 40 years’ work in research and teaching but also a reminder for me to work harder.
“I said to graduates today that they are graduating at the best time. Technology has made the world smaller and it brings many opportunities with it.”
51Âþ» has had a relationship with the conservatory in Beijing for 15 years through close links with the Music, Technology and Innovation Research Centre, led by Professor Leigh Landy.
Media and Communication graduate Samson Alawode has already started work as a PR and Digital Communication Co-ordinator at the Chartered Association of Building Engineers. He said: “It’s been a good three years at 51Âþ». I have made some good friends who will be my friends for life.”
You can read the full citation here.
Posted on Saturday 13 July 2019