Every student is a proud, star scholar

WELL done mum: Erin Maughan displays her pride at her mum Tracey’s achievement

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TWO stars and a host of inspirational stories made it a day to remember for Oldham’s “next generation” of graduates.

The captain of the Starship Enterprise, Patrick Stewart, and Britain’s most televisual scientist, Brian Cox attended the packed University Campus Oldham (UCO) graduation ceremony yesterday.

The day began at 8am when more than 220 students queued to be fitted for their caps and gowns.

Excited friends and family then watched them parade through the town centre led by Sir Patrick, and Chadderton-born Professor Cox.

And there was another special guest — the Olympic torch, which Sir Patrick recently carried through Croydon.

Skelmanthorpe Band struck up “Congratulations!” to start the procession and 11-year-old Erin Maughan proudly wore a “well done mum” sign.

She was with brother Ethan (14) and grandfather Pete to cheer on mum Tracey, a teaching assistant at Royton Hall Primary School.

The 37-year-old graduated with a 2.1 in English literature and historical studies and said: “It has been hard but I have had a lot of support from my family and my wonderful mother and father-in-law.”

Their story was mirrored by members of families from all over the area who had in many cases sacrificed much to complete their studies and earn their degrees.

Professor Robert Cywinski, Dean of Applied Sciences at Huddersfield University, which currently manages UCO, paid tribute to Professor Cox at the graduation ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

He said: “Newspapers are very keen to refer to Brian as the pin-up scientist, but at the same time they also make it clear that Brian’s programmes are very serious science and he’s a very serious scientist.

“Oldham has every right to be proud of Brian.

Professor Cox received his honorary doctorate watched by several family member.

Sir Patrick, Chancellor of Huddersfield University and UCO, presided over the ceremony.

The Hollywood star from Mirfield, West Yorkshire, said: “I have to confess I am a bit of a fraud standing here. I never graduated from anywhere.

“The only exam I ever sat was a written paper when I wanted to apply for a California drivers’ licence. It was terrifying.”

He urged graduated: “Do not play safe, do not be cautious, do not always try to second guess but be bold, be brave, be fearless.”


Inspirational Gemma-Lyn King hasn’t allowed disability to stand in her way.
The 28 year old received her postgraduate diploma in management studies from UCO five years after completing her degree there.

Former Pride in Oldham nominee Gemma-Lyn, of Victoria Street, Chadderton, has cerebral palsy and is deaf. Her mum Barbara, of Thirsk Avenue, Chadderton, said: “I am so proud of her — you wouldn’t believe it. When you know Gemma-Lyn you do not automatically see the disability. She has never let it stand in her way.”

Gemma-Lyn is an information services research and development analyst at Oldham’s Remploy factory in Ashton Road

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