The first of the University of Suffolk’s 2018 graduation ceremonies took place yesterday with former secretary to Sir Bobby Robson, Patricia Godbold among those being honoured.
For the first time ever the graduation ceremonies were held in marquees along the Ipswich Waterfront, close to the university’s campus.
Over the course of three days and eight ceremonies hundreds of students will graduate from a range of courses across the university.
They will be joined by a number of honorary graduates selected by a committee at the university.
The first of these to receive her award was Patricia Godbold, former PA to the late Ipswich Town boss Sir Bobby Robson.
Miss Godbold was presented with an honorary doctorate and was recognised for her contribution to the local community.
She worked with Sir Bobby for 36 years and was also a secretary for Sir Alf Ramsey and George Burley among others.
Ipswich born and bred, Miss Godbold’s work for meant she got to know many of the Ipswich Town legends, and she still works in football as an archivist at the club.
Despite such a long career in football Miss Godbold said she was still very surprised to receive the letter from the university confirming her award.
“I cannot believe it,” said Miss Godbold,“I came from a council house and left a secondary modern school with no qualifications.
“It is beyond my wildest dreams.”
As well as having members of her family present for the presentation, former Ipswich Town captain Mick Mills was among those attending.
Indeed news of Miss Godbold’s honorary doctorate has been well received generally at Ipswich Town.
“The club have been fantastic with flowers, cards, plants and everything,” she said.
Asked what her former boss Sir Bobby would have made of the presentation, Miss Godbold said:“He would have been very proud of me.”
Also honoured in yesterday’s ceremonies was Tim Rowan-Robinson who was made an honorary fellow. He is well known for his work developing tourism in Suffolk in the last 20 years and also helped to start the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival.
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