Father so proud to see daughter follow in his footsteps

When Alan Cass graduated from Teesside in 1963, he never thought the daughter his wife was carrying at the time would be following in his footsteps 50 years later.

Gillian Cooper was unwittingly a member of the audience when her father graduated all those years ago.

But the early exposure to academia must have paid off as she has now also graduated from Teesside University with a BA (Hons) History after completing a part-time degree over six years.

The mother-of-four, from Brimston Close in Hartlepool, used to work in advertising but decided she wanted to go into teaching to try and spend more time with her family. She secured a position as a Cover Assistant at High Tunstall College of Science but soon realised she would need a degree in order to further her career.

'I have always loved history,' explained Gillian.

'I come from a family who love to travel and whenever we used to go on holiday when we were younger, we would always go to places of interest and learn about the history. When it came to choosing a degree, there was only one subject I wanted to do.'

Gillian said it was difficult to balance work, family life and part-time study, but is grateful to her family for the support throughout the six year course. She now plans to use her degree to enable her to become a history teacher.

'I am so proud have graduated and all the hard work has finally paid off,' explained Gillian.

'It is something I have been striving towards for six years. Every year I would see people graduating and say to myself that will be me soon.

'I am pleased that I have been able to make my parents proud. My mum was eight month’s pregnant with me when my dad graduated and they always wanted me to go to university.

'My youngest son now wants to do a degree in history and I hope that by seeing me graduate my children will realise that they can do it as well.'

Gillian’s father Alan, also took six years to complete his degree while he worked – graduated with a Dip Tech Engineering, which was later converted to a BSc (Hons) Engineering.

Alan, from Nookston Close in Hartlepool, went on to have a distinguished career, working as Principal of Wearside College of Further Education for 17 years.

He said: 'My degree from Teesside University certainly enabled me to progress in my career and I know it will be the same for Gillian.

'We always hoped she would go to university and are so proud that she has graduated in a subject that she is passionate about.'

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