A computing student with autism has said the support he had from De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) helped him graduate with a distinction.
Akash Makvana said he had looked at many other universities before settling on DMU to study has MSc in Computing – and that was because of the help on offer.
Proud: Akash Makvana enjoys the day with his family
Today, the 23-year-old became one of the first cohort of students to enjoy their graduation ceremony inside The Venue@DMU – the first time the new location has been used for the events, bringing graduations right back home to DMU’s campus.
He celebrated the day with his family, from Loughborough. He said the event had been “very special”.
Akash said: “It was a really good place to have the ceremony, it feels like all the hard work has paid off. And it was hard; the course was really challenging but very satisfying.
“The help and support DMU offered was what made me choose to come here. I have autism and on my course I had a reader to help with my notes and a mentor.
“DMU is so welcoming and reassuring when compared to other universities.
His father Raj said he was “indescribably proud” of his son.
He said: “He’s got a first class degree here and he’s worked so hard. When you think that he’s done this with autism it is so wonderful. The opportunity here at DMU for someone with a disability is phenomenal.”
This morning’s ceremony honoured Faculty of Technology graduates and was the first of a series of events being held this week.
Throughout the ceremony, graduates were called across the stage, to receive their degrees, and audiences enjoyed a performance from the Indian and Tamil Dance Society, and a rendition of the National Anthem by the DMU Gospel Choir.
Gregoire Mafutala, 23, secured a First in Electronics Engineering BEng (Hons), said of the ceremony: “It was very colourful and an amazing occasion to be part of.
“I loved the perks of DMU, playing for DMUFC and being a part of the #DMUglobal trip to California last summer was great.
“I’m starting a Masters in Electronics Engineering next month, and I’m looking forward to extending my time at DMU.”
Liam Herring, 21, achieved a 2:1 in Mechanical Engineering and agreed that the experience at the new Venue@DMU was a good one.
“It was nice to dress up in the robes and gown to celebrate coming out with a good degree and to have my parents here.
“I had a great time at DMU and have made friends for life.”
Posted on Tuesday 26 January 2016