Businessman Tim Rix honoured at Hull College graduation

CLASS OF 2022: Hull College graduates celebrating

By Rick Lyon

Hull College’s annual graduation ceremony saw Tim Rix CBE, Chief Executive of J R Rix & Sons, awarded an Order of Distinction in recognition of his achievements and support for education, business and communities in the city and surrounding area.

Mr Rix studied engineering at Hull College, developing practical skills that served as the foundation for a highly successful career.

He became the fifth generation to lead the Rix family’s diverse group of companies, which are involved in shipping, fuel distribution, manufacturing static caravans, property and selling cars.

Founder and lead promoter of the ambitious Lagoon Hull project, Mr Rix has been active in the local community for many years.

He is a leading figure in the local and regional business community and was awarded a CBE for services to the economy and regeneration in the Humber in the 2018 New Year’s honours list.

‘HUMBLED’: Tim Rix receiving the Order of Distinction from Rob Lawson

Hull College Chair of Governors Rob Lawson presented the inaugural accolade to Mr Rix, who said: “I was extremely honoured and humbled to receive such a prestigious award from the college and proud to be included in the graduation day and to celebrate the successes of all the students.

“I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all Hull College Class of 2022 graduates on achieving academic success and also wish them the very best of luck in the future.

“I also hope to see them put their new qualifications to good use to support the local area.”

Mr Rix was the keynote speaker at the ceremony, giving an inspirational speech to graduates before the college’s Class of 2022 - donned in traditional caps and gowns - received their certificates from Mr Lawson, Professor Becky Huxley-Binns, from the University of Hull, and Dr Lynn Senior, from the University of Huddersfield.

The achievements of more than 160 students were celebrated at the ceremony at Hull City Hall, which recognised the hard work of graduates who have completed Higher National Certificates (HNCs), Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), Foundation Degrees, BA Honours Degrees and Professional Qualifications in subjects ranging from Construction Management to Criminology and Performing Arts, Media and Music to Young Children’s Learning Development.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Tim Rix addressing students at the annual Hull College graduation event

Debra Gray, Principal and CEO at Hull College, said: “It was fantastic to come together as a college to celebrate the achievements of our higher education students.

“They have all put in so much hard work to complete their qualifications and have demonstrated an enormous amount of dedication, commitment and passion throughout their studies with us.

“Our graduation ceremony is always one of the highlights of the college calendar and this year was no different.

“It was a day for our students to feel very proud and it brought me so much joy to join in with families, friends and colleagues in celebrating the accomplishments of this outstanding group.

“On behalf of everyone at Hull College, I would like to congratulate our graduates on their success and wish each and every one of them the very best for the future.”

THUMBS UP: A happy Amy Stonham

Amy Stonham, who completed her FD Criminology with Psychology qualification at the college, said: “As a result of my course, I have now secured my dream job of working as a Probation Service Officer in the Prison Service, proving that all the studying, sweat and toil over the past two years of my qualification have been worth it.

“Graduating was fantastic - a great experience from start to finish. Thank you to all Hull College staff for providing such a joyous event.”

BA (Hons) Fine Art graduate Kira Bielby said: “I’d been waiting for this day for so long and it didn’t disappoint!

“It was an incredible day and it was great to see that everyone had a fantastic time.

“It was different to what I expected, with so many people involved, but it was such a nice way for everyone who had completed their studies to round off their time at the college.

‘AN INCREDIBLE DAY’: Kira Bielby was not disappointed

“I couldn’t be prouder!”

FD Popular Music Performance graduate Neil Proud said: “My experience of studying at the college has been fantastic and the whole programme has been very enjoyable.

“It helped me to grow in confidence massively and my tutors have been so supportive throughout.

“I’m now in my Bachelor year and excited for what lies ahead.

“My graduation experience was surreal but one that I thoroughly enjoyed. To be part of such a celebration of success was amazing!”

A PROUD GRADUATE: Neil Proud has grown in confidence

A number of awards were also handed out to students who demonstrated a particular flare or ability, achieved outstanding grades or made significant progress during their time at the college.

The awards and winners were:

Rollits Prize for Business Enterprise: Anna Gordon

The prize is awarded to a student who has shown great potential and outstanding achievement.

The Principal’s Award for Early Years, Health and Education: Zoe Storr

This is awarded each year to a student who has shown exceptional potential in their chosen area of study, achieving outstanding personal and professional development. Students nominated for this award give their time to support the community.

The Nick Morrison Award for Construction, Engineering and Technology: Mathew Sharp

This accolade recognises the outstanding achievements of a student studying Construction, Engineering or a related discipline. Each year the prize is awarded to a student who has demonstrated the ability to create a solution to a construction or engineering brief and realise a project, which combines established techniques and innovative approaches.

Student of the Year Award for Performing Arts and Music: Andrew Hardy and Elizabeth Cameron

This award commemorates more than 20 years of Performance Arts Education and Music at Hull College. It is awarded each year to a student who has shown exceptional skill in a Performance Arts and Music and great potential or a future career in the arts, arts education and music industries.

The David White Memorial Award: Thomas Robinson

This was awarded for the first time in 2015 to commemorate the life and achievements of David White, a former BA (Hons) Contemporary Fine Art Practice student who returned to learning in his fifties.

Student of the Year Award for The Institute of Arts: Katie Clark

This prize is awarded each year to a student within the department who distinguishes themselves as outstanding. It is awarded to a student who has shown the greatest all-round achievement in personal, professional and academic areas.

Senior Student Representative Award: Thomas Robinson and Shog Mahmood

This award is given in recognition of services to student engagement as senior student representatives.