Dreams, plans and achievements: more LJMU graduation stories

03 October 2012

Jessica Durham First Class BA (Hons) English. During her studies at LJMU, Jessica set up a charity and has been fundraising for a school, The Soweto Academy after visiting Kibera in Nariobi, one of the largest slums in Africa in the summer of her first year. After leaving Africa, Jessica kept in touch with the school head master and has worked with the school ever since. In her third year at LJMU, lecturers recognised her amazing charity work which was taking up a large proportion of her time - they worked with Jessica to incorporate her charity work into her degree through the World of Work programme and independent study which was based on the charity.

Jessica said
"I couldn’t have ask for better support for my work from the staff on my course at LJMU. The lecturers have been fantastic, working with me and making my learning flexible and I was able to incorporate my charity work into my course. They have been really supportive and they have even got on board to help set up a fundraising event for the charity – myself and the lecturers are holding a charity gig at Mello Mello Cafe tomorrow evening."  Jessica is currently working with LJMU to look at recycling some of the University’s redundant furniture to send to the Soweto Academy in Kibera, Nariobi.

Peter Simpson who graduates with a First in Politics, was also awarded the Mike Croft Prize (named after the late Mike Croft a much loved LJMU academic). Peter received it for being one of the most meritorious students.

Dr Martin Nightingale, principal lecturer in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences said:

" Peter was outstanding during his degree - not only did he  gain a First Class award, it was one of the best that has ever been achieved within the subject. Peter was a very popular student who always contributed to all aspects of academic life"

Peter said " I always loved politics as a subject so I wanted to get an education in it. When I joined LJMU it was my second time at university so I was determined to work hard and complete the course. In addition to my commitment, credit should go to the teaching staff who created a friendly, warm and open learning environment." Peter plans to become a lecturer, journalist or political advisor and is hoping to complete a masters, then progress to PhD and become a renowned academic.

Lisa Edison, a single mum from Liverpool, surpassed her own expectations as she graduates with a 2:1 in Sociology. Lisa was also awarded the David McEvoy prize for being one of the most meritorious students.

"I was shocked when I heard that I had won the Prize - it was for supporting students in my role as a Student Mentor. I have enjoyed studying Sociology at LJMU - the staff are so supportive, especially one in particular - David Tyrer (winner of this year's LSU Amazing Teacher Award). David 'demystified' the whole university/academic experience and gave us a strategy for completing our work, believing in ourselves and heping us to succeed. He was right - I left school with little qualifications so I am living proof that if you have the commitment you can achieve."

Lisa (pictured right with Dr Helen Churchill, head of Sociology) is hoping to secure a bursary so that she can continue to Masters level and aims to undertake research on 'Race and Education'. 

Rachel Carpenter, BA (Hons) English, was Editor of The Looprevil Press (the official student newspaper at the Liverpool Students’ Union for LJMU) in her final year of study at the University and is now in the process of setting up an independent magazine

"I couldn't have wished for a better experience at LJMU - I've fallen in love with Liverpool, made amazing friends, gained confidence, broadened my mind, met interesting people and my degree course was so much more dynamic and relaxed than a traditional English degree. I have studied a really diverse and interesting range of subjects."




Sam Goodby graduates with a First in Politics and also picks up the Mike Croft Prize.

" I have really enjoyed my time at LJMU - I'm glad that I chose to study Politics. It's a great depatrtment with extremely supportive staff.  The course isn't all about essays and assignments  as we took part in debates, did presentations and completed reports that really brought the subject to life. It has prepared me for employment as I have gained skills that are suited to the work environment".

Zoe Caldernack BA (Hons) Media and Cultural Studies won the Adrian Mellor Prize for her dissertation on the Tate Gallery researching the theme of equality in public art and how it functions. Speaking today before graduating Zoe said:

"I have had the best three years of my life at LJMU; it was exhausting as I started university at a particular stressful point in my life but today has made the hard work worth it. The lecturers on my course have been very supportive throughout . Today I am nervous but I’m looking forward to being reunited with my friends  and celebrating together."
Zoe is pictured with Elena De Sacco BA graduating today in (Hons) English, Media and Cultural Studies. Elena received highest award in her cohort graduating with a First Class Honours.

Constable Christine Johnson is graduating with a Distinction and has found that the areas of research have been relevant to her day to day role, with a particular benefit being able to chose your own subject area for the dissertation making it relevant to any individual’s area of work that they want to progress in.

Constable Mark Cunningham’s dissertation was on young people and anti-social behaviour, and he said that this educational opportunity has been fantastic for breaking down the barriers to Higher Education for those in the police, particularly for those in his position who haven’t done a degree in the past and are now in full time careers.

Constable Ian Stokes added: "It’s a great way to promote team work within the force. We’ve all used the Blackboard system to feed in new ideas and share information. For me this has been worth it professionally and personally."

Paul Welsh, Senior Lecturer Police Studies said that the Foundation Degree has proved so successful as it is relevant to the day to day role of a while allowing for the introduction of an academic point of view which is relevant to policing.


The first cohort from the Foundation Degree Police Studies, saw over 100 graduating today and many are now progressing into the full BA (Hons) programme.

 

 

 

 

 

LJMU Honorary Fellow His Honour Judge David Lynch received his Masters of Research Literature and Cultural History. Pictured with Chancellor Brian May.

 

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