Annual celebration of academic achievement takes place at Teesside University

A renowned television architect and a leading figure in the UK chemical industry will join thousands of graduates celebrating academic success at Teesside University later this month.

More than 5,500 Teesside University graduates are due to cross the stage to celebrate completing their studies at the annual academic awards ceremonies, which take place from Monday 17 July, to Friday 21 July.

Honorary degrees will also be bestowed on George Clarke, who will receive a Doctor of Arts, and former Teesside University Governor Paul Booth CBE, who will receive a Doctor of Engineering.

A total of 15 ceremonies will be held on campus over five days, honouring graduates from the School of Arts & Creative Industries, School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies, School of Health & Life Sciences, School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law and Teesside University International Business School.

Achievement at all levels, from Certificate of Higher Education, through to PhD, will be celebrated during the week, allowing graduates the opportunity to share their success with friends, family and course mates.

They will receive their awards from Teesside University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Paul Croney, OBE.

An academic procession will leave The Curve building before each ceremony, with proceedings shown on the big screen in the Campus Heart, as well as in the Students’ Union in the centre of the campus.

Professor Croney said: “Graduation is always the highlight of the academic year and is an opportunity to celebrate the significant academic successes of our student community.

“I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our graduates, who have demonstrated incredible commitment, determination and dedication to achieve their awards.

“I am also delighted to be awarding honorary degrees this year to two individuals who have set exceptionally high standards in their own professions. I am sure their examples will provide inspiration to our graduates as they embark on their own careers.”

George Clarke Doctor of Arts

George Clarke is an award-winning architect, designer, and television presenter, known for a plethora of successful TV series including Restoration Man and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.

George has built a portfolio of businesses including a design studio, a construction company, and several property development businesses. He has also founded his own education charity, ‘MOBIE’, which aims to inspire young people to create sustainable homes for their future and has engaged students at Teesside University in design challenges for a number of years.

An ambassador for the Prince’s Foundation as well as the homeless charity Shelter, George is passionate about good quality housing and is an active campaigner in the fight against the global housing crisis.

Paul Booth CBE Doctor of Engineering

Paul Booth started his career as an apprentice with ICI, going on to lead a global career in the chemical industry at companies such as Huntsman Petrochemicals and SABIC UK.

Paul has also undertaken a range of influential non-executive positions, with roles on the UK Chemistry Council, UK Resources Council, and the Society for the Chemical Industry.

A graduate of Teesside Polytechnic as well as Manchester University, Paul has been a driving force for regional economic development, undertaking pivotal positions at the Tees Valley Local Enterprise Partnership and acting as an ambassador for the region at the national level.

He has supported Teesside University over many years as both a Governor and Board Chair and continues to be a strong advocate for industry and education in Teesside.

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