Students and industry leaders celebrate graduations
Glasgow Caledonian University celebrated the graduation of GCU London students at a ceremony held in Christ Church, Spitalfields, today (Wednesday, June 17).
The University also recognised the outstanding contribution to the fashion industry by Colin Henry, CEO of premium fashion retailer Jaeger. Patricia Dunion, former Chief Operating Officer of national cosmetic surgery provider Transform Medical Group, was honoured for her work on Transform’s patient charter.
Mr Henry, who was awarded an Honorary Professorship and Lifetime Achievement Award, said: “There are certain fundamentals that I have learned. Creativity and innovation will be the lifeblood of our industry, entrepreneurship will continue to offer unprecedented scope for success, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes and take risks. To succeed, my advice is to ask ‘why?’ The quest for knowledge is paramount.”
In her address to graduands, Ms Dunion spoke of being honoured and humbled to receive the GCU Alumni Achievement Award. She said: “You have a fantastic foundation on which to build and a massive spectrum of choices – have the confidence and go for it.”
Students graduated from postgraduate programmes spanning disciplines which included Risk Management, International Fashion Marketing, International Business Management and Construction Management.
Emma Croydon, from Dublin, studied International Fashion Marketing. She said: “I’ve really enjoyed my course, particularly my six-week work placement at Primark. I’ve since been offered a full-time job with the company, an opportunity I don’t think I would have been given without my time at GCU London.”
Graduates were joined by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies CBE; Chair of Court Hazel Brooke MBE; Dean of GCU London Dr Linda Amrane-Cooper; Assistant Vice-Principal and Director of the British School of Fashion Professor Christopher Moore and members of GCU’s Executive Board and academics.
See how the day unfolded across social media over on Storify.
