Baroness Manningham-Buller presides over her first graduation day as Chair of Imperial

Wednesday 19 October 2011
By John-Paul Jones

As today’s graduation ceremonies get underway, Eliza Manningham-Buller, former Director-General of the Security Service, prepares to take to the Royal Albert Hall stage for the first time as Chair of the College.

During Imperial’s Commemoration Day , Baroness Manningham-Buller, as Chair of the College’s Court and Council, will congratulate over 2,200 undergraduates as they receive their degrees in science, engineering and medicine.

Baroness Manningham-Buller first joined the Council, the College’s senior governing body, in 2009. She became its Deputy Chair earlier this year and took up her appointment as Chair in July.

Baroness Manningham-Buller said: “Commemoration Day is a fantastic event, as it marks the achievements of so many people at Imperial. It will be a particular pleasure for me to see the pride on the faces of the students’ family and friends, and to be involved in a day which the new graduates will remember for a long time.”

Around 6,000 friends and family will watch students graduate in today’s ceremonies, the largest ever hosted in Imperial’s history.

Alongside the presentation of the degrees Imperial will also honour current and former staff for their contributions to the College. This year Imperial College Medals, awarded for longstanding contributions to the College which enhance its reputation, mission and objectives, will be given to three retired members of staff.

Those recognised are Mrs Susan Hartman, former Assistant Secretary to the Faculty of Medicine, for long standing support of one of the medical schools that merged with Imperial and subsequently the Faculty; Emeritus Professor Bob Schroter for his contributions to student activities, including the Imperial College Boat Club, and his research spanning the disciplines of biology, medicine and veterinary science, and physical and engineering science; and Anna Thomas-Betts for her work in academia and student welfare over 45 years.

Imperial’s Rector Sir Keith O’Nions said:

“Imperial’s continued success is due to the dedication and talent of its staff throughout the College’s history. Alongside celebrating the excellent achievements of our students today, I am delighted that we are honouring the central contributions of current and former staff members for their commitment and service to the College.”

Rector’s medals, which acknowledge excellence in teaching and pastoral care, will also be awarded. This year’s recipients are Martyn Boutelle (Department of Bioengineering) for excellence in pastoral care; Lorraine Craig (Department of Earth Science and Engineering) and Emma Watson (National Heart and Lung Institute) for supporting the student experience; Professor Sandra Shefelbine (Department of Bioengineering) and Mr Zen Makuch (Centre for Environmental policy) for outstanding contributions to teaching excellence; and Jane Saffell (Department of Medicine) for outstanding innovation in teaching.

Commemoration Day marks the visit made to the College by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1945, on the centenary of the foundation of the Royal College of Chemistry, Imperial College’s oldest forerunner.