Remain positive is the message from Vice-Chancellor

Teesside University's Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Henderson CBE, is urging this year’s graduates to remain optimistic, while reminding them of the positive part they can play in the economy’s future success.

The Vice-Chancellor is speaking to over 4,000 graduates and 7,800 guests this week, when 13 graduation ceremonies take place at Middlesbrough Town Hall. Professor Henderson said: 'This week we’ll be celebrating the achievements of more than 4,000 students and it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the University which, I’m delighted to say, has once again had a brilliant year. 'We have continued to grow and our reputation has continued to grow, locally, nationally and internationally, as has our ranking in national league tables and those based on student satisfaction. 'Also importantly, given the current economic climate, we remain one of the most financially stable universities in the UK, something which has provided a cushion against the effects of the economic recession and public expenditure cuts and allowed us to continue to invest in improving our facilities and our campus for the benefit of our students.' Over the past twelve months the University has: • opened a new University campus in Darlington • opened a new University office in Beijing to support our international development in China • funded a new higher education centre at Hartlepool College which brings us to a position where there’s a University funded HE centre in every general further education college across the Tees Valley. Professor Henderson said: 'Everyone graduating this week will have been a student at Teesside when we became the first modern university to receive the accolade of national University of the Year, something which remains an amazing achievement.' He refers to the current economic situation, saying: 'Whilst I know you’re graduating at a very difficult time, can I say that whilst things will be difficult in the short term, we will bounce back. 'What the Tees Valley and UK economy needs most for its future success is to harness the skills of talented people like you, so that with your help, the future can be brighter.' Professor Henderson said the University’s record of achievement has put Teesside in a position where it can face the future with great confidence, with the University helping to shape peoples’ lives and remaining central to positive developments in the area. He said: 'If you haven’t found your dream career yet, don’t be pessimistic about the future. Be patient and wait and see what the future holds for you because this is a place with a very bright future.' Commenting on his CBE, awarded to Professor Henderson earlier this year for services to higher education, he said: 'I’m in no doubt that my award was, in large part, a reflection on the achievements of everyone here at Teesside. I genuinely feel privileged to be able to lead a community of such committed, talented and truly inspirational people.'

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