Dad’s a First-Class Grad

Paul Davis of Stokesley Crescent, Billingham, is breathing a huge sigh of relief after four stressful, but rewarding, years of juggling his responsibilities.

The 33-year-old father of two worked full time at Dupont in Wilton whilst studying for a honours degree in Chemistry from the University of Teesside. He was sponsored by his employer to do the degree part-time, which meant sacrificing much of his free time. Despite the pressures, Paul is graduating on Wednesday (22 November, 2000) with a First-Class Honours degree - much to the admiration of his friends and family.

“Without the support and encouragement of my wife Maria, I would have experienced great difficulty in completing the course,” admits Paul. Maria works full time at the Chambers of Commerce and is mother of Katie, 7 and Megan, 3.

After leaving St. Mary’s Sixth Form in Middlesbrough at 18, with an A-Level in Chemistry, Paul gained an HND in Chemistry from Teesside Polytechnic. With ambitions to work in research, he then worked in a variety of jobs on Teesside, before joining Dupont Polyester Technologies as a Research Scientist. After several months, Dupont offered him the opportunity to join the University of Teesside’s BSc Chemistry course on a part-time basis. Now, four years later, Paul is looking forward to being presented with the ICI Chemistry Prize, for his outstanding achievements at the Academic Awards Ceremony at Middlesbrough Town Hall (at 4pm)

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