Summer graduation celebration

Summer graduation at the Warwick campus this July was its customary happy, busy and celebratory affair, with around 950 Warwick Business School students graduating across the range of courses. WBS Dean, Mark Taylor, together with Chair of the Alumni Board Nick Jessett (MBA 1985, now Programme Manager, Rolls-Royce plc) were kept busy giving their congratulatory speeches while at the same time promoting the value and benefits of keeping in touch with Warwick through the Alumni Association.

Undergraduates

A whopping total of 451 undergraduates celebrated successful completion of their studies, although unfortunately not all of them were able to attend in person with families and friends. The number of First-class degrees awarded on our single Honours - around 20% of graduates - was the same as in past years.

Some families were returning to campus to celebrate their son's or daughter's graduation, having already attended previous graduations for older brothers or sisters. For the Olliver family, this situation is reversed. Alex graduated this July with BSc International Business; her brother Max is following a year behind taking the same degree.

The Warwick MBA

A total of 343 MBA students attended the graduation ceremony, who afterwards, together with families and friends, filled the social areas of the Rootes building just about to capacity over two floors. In total 483 students successfully completed their MBA; some graduating 'in absentia' and others who could not get to campus holding off graduating until the next ceremony and celebrations.

Prizes were given as follows:

Warwick MBA by full-time study

Best overall performance
Alexander Halbherr - Alexander received 10 out of a possible 13 distinctions, with 7 of those 10 module marks at 75% or above.

Best dissertation
Samir Abid - Samir received a mark of 79% for his project and dissertation.

Outstanding citizen
Manu Rishi Guptha - This was a difficult decision to make because many of the students in this cohort contributed significantly to the WBS community, and to SSLC, and have given their time generously in support of WBS promotional events and activities. Manu has done all three, working tirelessly and with notoriously good humour and courtesy as an ambassador for WBS.

Warwick Executive MBA

Best overall performance
Roland Openshaw (graduating in absentia) - Roland achieved 9 modules out of a possible 13 at distinction level, and a dissertation mark of 78%.

Best dissertation
Ketan Keshwala - Ketan received a mark of 88% for his project and dissertation.

Outstanding citizen
Neil Mantle - Neil has been a great supporter of open events, both online and at WBS and he has always willingly given his time to communicate with prospective students. He has also done a great job of keeping in touch with his old cohort.

Warwick MBA by distance learning

Best overall performance
Anthony Borg (graduating in absentia) - Anthony achieved 10 modules at distinction level, with an overall average of 73%, and a dissertation mark of 74%.

Best dissertation
Miguel Machado - Miguel achieved 90% for his project and dissertation.

Outstanding citizen
Michael Taplin - Michael has contributed extensively to the promotion of the programme to potential students by attending recruitment and open events. He has also been a notable supporter of current students.

Special achievement award
Christina di Nolfo - Christina has taken several extra years to complete her MBA studies, but persevered in spite of severe problems which impacted on her study. Her determination and positive attitude were impressive.

The Warwick MPA

A total of 22 MPAs (Masters in Public Administration) graduated this summer, five of these with Distinction. Steve Pomeroy was among those attaining Distinction; he also received a double prize: Best overall performance, and Best dissertation. He scored 12 marks at 70 or above, one 68 and his dissertation came in at 88%. His overall average was 77% which is a great academic performance. He is Head of Local Government Strategy and Performance in the Department for Social Justice and Local Government at the Welsh Assembly Government.

Congratulations to all WBS graduates; we wish them all success in their future careers.

Reportage-style images of Tuesday's buffet lunch in the Rootes building (for undergraduates, specialist masters and doctoral graduands) can be found on the WBS Flickr page here.

Reportage-style images and prize-winners from Friday's buffet lunch in the Rootes building (for MBAs and MPAs) are on the WBS Flickr page here.