Graduating from the University of the Year – in Darlington

Over 300 people gathered for the Teesside University Darlington graduation ceremony at the Dolphin Centre.

The 86 graduates achieved their academic awards at Teesside University’s £2m Centre within Darlington College.

Joined by their family and friends in celebration - this is the third annual Teesside University graduation ceremony to take place in the town - and the first from the University of the Year.

Before the ceremony an academic procession travels through the town centre from Darlington Town Hall. The procession included the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Henderson, the Mayor of Darlington, Councillor Jim Ruck, the Council’s leader, Councillor John Williams, and senior members of the University, Darlington College and Darlington council.

Graduates received their awards from the Vice-Chancellor.

Teesside University is building a huge presence in Darlington. In addition to the annual graduations, the University opened its own premises off The Fairway last September, which delivers a range of part-time courses.

A joint prospectus between Darlington College and the University, detailing course provision offered by the two institutions in Darlington, will be published for the first time in May.

The University will open a new £13m five-storey Building in Darlington And in June 2011, the University will open a new £13m five-storey Building in Darlington, located beside Darlington College’s buildings in Central Park.

The Build has been funded by the University, One NorthEast, via Tees Valley Unlimited and Darlington Council and is also supported by Darlington College and Tees Valley Regeneration.

Professor Graham Henderson, Teesside University’s Vice-Chancellor said: 'I am delighted we again held this ceremony in Darlington. I always look forward to celebrating the success of our graduates and sharing with them our plans, with our partners, for the development of the University in Darlington and the surrounding area.'

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