Vice-Chancellor encourages Teesside’s successful graduates

The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Graham Henderson, has given encouragement to the University’s graduates about their futures during the global economic slowdown, as they celebrate their graduations this week at Middlesbrough Town Hall.

Professor Henderson makes a speech at the end of each of the ten ceremonies at the Town Hall, to thousands of graduates, their friends and families. The graduations started on Tuesday and conclude on Friday. Professor Henderson, said: I appreciate that you are all graduating from the University at a very difficult time due to the economic downturn of the global recession. Can I say how much I sympathise with everyone whose business or livelihoods are suffering?

Global wealth set to double in next 25 years 'However, I hope that a realistic view of the downturn was expressed by Sir George Cox, former Director General of the Institute of Directors and Chairman of the Design Council when he visited the University last week. Sir George told us that global wealth is set to double in next 25 years, and although things will be difficult in the short term we will bounce back. He added the only thing that is certain is that to achieve the most rapid and effective recovery we will need skilled people more than ever before, something that is agreed by all political parties.

'The country needs high skills to come through it, and your graduate skills will become more valuable than ever. So if you haven't found your dream career yet, don't be pessimistic about the future, or feel that your education was wasted. Be patient and wait and see what the future holds for you.'

University is a life changing experience Professor Henderson also highlighted the positive experience of University life: 'Going to university is, in my view, a truly life changing experience. University is not just about what you learn in the classroom, or getting your first job. You'll look back on it with very fond memories, it will have changed you as a person and more importantly, it will shape the rest of your life.'

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