DMU's high standards praised at graduation ceremonies

Two honorands feted by De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) paid tribute to the university's high standards of learning, research and getting its graduates into good jobs.



Graduation ceremonies staged at Leicester's Curve theatre celebrated the success of hundreds of DMU students graduating this year from the University's Faculty of Business and Law.

John C Knudsen (pictured) of Niels Brock Business College in Copenhagen, was made an Honorary Master of Education in recognition of his founding achievements in developing the partnership between DMU and Niels Brock, which has flourished since 1994.

Chief Executive of Leicestershire County Council, John Sinnott CBE, who has held his role for more than two decades, was honoured for his "tireless commitment to the people of Leicestershire... his leadership and vision... his energy and invaluable support."

"We at Niels Bock have learned a lot from working with DMU," said John Knudsen.

"You set high standards in teaching, research and your links with business. We pride ourselves in doing the same and I'm sure we can continue to gain a great deal from working together.

"I worked hard to do my best to make the collaboration happen and I'm very pleased that it's appreciated."

John Sinnott said: "It's nice to get local recognition from a university with whom I've worked closely over a number of years, working with two VCs.

"DMU has a fine reputation for its research, innovation and track record for getting graduates into good jobs. It's also great that DMU works closely with other universities in the area, collaborating to pool their strengths."

It was a very special and proud day for the graduates, too.

David Williamson, who got a 2:1 in Marketing Management and wants to follow a career in financial services said: "I dropped out of college twice before but DMU helped me to find my passion for business."

Bansi Patel will take her 2:1 in Human Resource Management to her first job on the graduate scheme for Discovery Communications, home of the Discovery Channel and Eurosport.

"This feels really good, really nice. My DMU placement with GE made my studies so much more enjoyable, really bringing them to life."

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Another graduate to walk straight into a job is Hermela Tessema, who leaves DMU with a BA in Advertising, Marketing and Communications. She starts in a London based sales and marketing role next week.

Hermela said: "I couldn't be happier than today. It's been a lot of fun at DMU and I've met some lovely people."

There were a lot of proud parents around, too, none more so than Vina Patidar, who works in the DMU International Admissions Office. Vina and husband Sat stood beaming as their sons Rishi and Jake graduated in Marketing Management and International Marketing and Business at the same ceremony. Both will be staying on at DMU to do a Master's.

"This really was a double delight for all the family, a very proud day," said Vina.