It’s in their nature to put other people before themselves but today all eyes were on the students from the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, as they took centre stage for their graduation ceremony.
Degrees were presented by Interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andy Collop, and Pro Chancellor, Professor Bill Dawson, to hundreds of students from the School of Allied and Applied Health Sciences and the School of Applied Social Sciences.
This newest cohort of graduates – many of whom have already secured their dream jobs – will be working across a wealth of diverse sectors; from education and healthcare, to policing and social care.
Just graduated? Let us know what's next for you here
Lamima Chowdhury (21), who received a First-Class Honours degree in Healthcare Science (Audiology), was offered a job as an audiologist at Specsavers Hearcare in Nuneaton during her placement year with the company.
“I got the job after just a few months at my placement – I was so happy,” she said. “Although I’m not sure I’m ready to leave DMU yet, I absolutely love it here!”
Lamima was also the recipient of the ‘Outstanding Contribution Award’, thanks to her work at the Special Olympics in Scotland where she offered free hearing care screenings for disabled athletes.
“It’s not uncommon for people with disabilities to also suffer from hearing problems,” she explained. “It was very rewarding to be able to meet the athletes and offer them screenings.”
Bilaal Popat (21), also graduating with a degree in Healthcare Science (Audiology), says his time at DMU undoubtedly helped him secure his new audiologist role with the NHS.
“DMU has provided me with so many opportunities,” he said. “I got the chance to go on two #DMUglobal trips which were amazing – I visited Berlin, where we worked with tinnitus researchers, and I also travelled to India, where we offered hundreds of hearing screenings and gave out more than 300 hearing aids to local people.”
50-year-old Alison Fowler, who received a 2:1 in Speech and Language Therapy, came to study at DMU after more than 20 years working as a teacher.
Approved by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), Speech and Language Therapy graduates from DMU are eligible to register with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) to practise as a speech and language therapist.
Alison’s dream is to help people who have had a brain injury or a stroke, or any condition that might affect their communication.
“The course at DMU was perfect for me because it is very much tailored to what I want to get into; adult neurology rehab,” she said. “I was utterly thrilled when I was offered my place on the course and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here – I will certainly miss the banter with my course mates!”
As always, it was quite the family affair for many of the graduates, including Nyasha Motiwa (30), who was joined by her husband, mum, two brothers and aunty as she doffed her cap in the morning ceremony.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Nyasha now lives in Leicester, after her First-Class Honours degree in Social Work helped her clinch a social worker position in the Child Protection Department at Leicester City Council.
“It was nice to know my family were in the audience watching me as I went up to collect my degree – I was just trying to enjoy the moment as much as I could,” she said. “I owe my tutors at DMU a big thank you too. Without them I wouldn’t be in the role I am in now.”
RELATED NEWS
Tributes paid to inspirational DMU lecturer
Head to our Facebook page to see our graduation galleries
Find out more about our Speech and Language Therapy course
Medical Science graduate Connor Elliott (21) invited his mum, dad, three grandparents and sister to watch the ceremony. They agreed it was an “incredibly proud moment” for the family.
“Graduation has been amazing, I have loved every minute,” Connor said. “DMU feels like home to me now, it’s a really nice place to learn – in fact I like it so much I’ve decided to stay here and do my Master’s in Physician Associate Studies.”
Posted on Tuesday 16 July 2019