Graduation celebrations bring special joy for Ros

After 30 years of being involved in graduation ceremonies at Teesside University, this year’s Academic Awards were extra special for Ros White.

In her role as Campus Facilities Supervisor, Ros is involved in the mammoth annual task of ensuring the thousands of people preparing to graduate are ready in their graduation gowns before heading off to Middlesbrough Town Hall for each Academic Awards ceremony.

And now this year, Ros was overjoyed to see daughter Melissa was taking part in her own graduation, after completing a Diploma in Nursing Studies (Mental Health).

Mum-of-two Ros said: 'Over the years as I’ve watched as graduands put on their gowns and prepare for graduation and I’ve always wished it could be one of my daughters. It was lovely to see Melissa graduate.’

Melissa, 24, who is mum to two-year-old son Cole, now works for King's Road Health Service in Middlesbrough, where she completed work placement during her studies. Her job involves working with people with problems associated with alcohol abuse.

Excellent reputation for the School of Health & Social Care She said: 'I came to Teesside as it has an excellent reputation for the School of Health & Social Care and it’s my local University. I had the added advantage of knowing the University since I was seven as summer holidays were spent in the play scheme run by the University. It was a comfort knowing my mother worked within the University and I often found myself popping in to her office during breaks.

‘My experience over my three years is most memorable and I have gained and developed in confidence, experience and most of all knowledge within my subject area. The School of Health & Social Care has been very supportive to me particularly when I took time out to have my son.

'I am not surprised Teesside was awarded the University of the Year. It was an honour to graduate in the same year that Teesside won the accolade.' Ros said: 'I have worked at the University for 35 years, starting off in what was known as the typing pool. The only buildings here then were Middlesbrough Tower, the Constantine and Waterhouse. 'Although I’ve stayed with the same department, its name has changed over the years and is now Campus Facilities. The University has expanded magnificently. There has been lots of expansion with buildings, schools and departments and staff too over the years and I enjoy working here. There is great teamwork and a lot of people have worked here for many years.' She added: 'Winning the University of the Year was a marvellous achievement, which we are all really proud of. Melissa did look at other places to study, but I think my being here did motivate her to come to Teesside as we have a great School of Health & Social Care, with facilities which are second to none. 'It was nice knowing that Melissa was here studying at Teesside and we did get to see each other occasionally on campus,' added Ros, whose husband Grahame also works as a contractor in the University’s Estates division of Campus Facilities.

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