IT MARKED the start of a bright future for Suffolk education when the first graduates of Suffolk's new university hurled their mortar boards into the air.

IT MARKED the start of a bright future for Suffolk education when the first graduates of Suffolk's new university hurled their mortar boards into the air.

The students from the University Campus Suffolk (UCS) network received their degrees at award ceremonies held at Trinity Park in Ipswich yesterday.

The presentations, honouring students at UCS Ipswich, UCS Otley and UCS Suffolk New College, will continue today.

Professor Bob Anderson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of UCS, said: “It is with great pleasure and pride that I congratulate the students who have graduated today.

“Forming part of the first cohort of students to graduate from University Campus Suffolk, and having experienced the transition of higher education in Suffolk, these first graduates have played a significant and important role in the development of University Campus Suffolk.

“I would like to thank them for all their help and support and I wish them every success in the future, and hope that they continue to be ambassadors for the university.”

In addition to the students, a former Olympian, an architect and a former aide to the American President are among six graduands to receive honorary degrees.

At yesterday's ceremonies Lady Barbara Judge, Baroness Barbara Thomas Young and Billy Brennan received their accolades.

Lady Judge has a keen interest in education and is on the board of a number of international educational institutions.

She studied law in the United States of America and worked as a lawyer in the area of securities and corporations law. In 1980 she was appointed by the President to be a Commissioner of the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Baroness Young is currently Shadow Chair of the Care Quality Commission, the new regulator for the quality of health and social care. She was chief executive for the Environment Agency for eight years.

Billy Brennan is currently head of cultural services for Ipswich Borough Council and is an international martial arts sportsman having won English and British Championships.

At the three ceremonies today, Lord Cunliffe, Kirsten Rausing and Professor Bill Tancred MBE will be honoured.

Lord Cunliffe, an architect, lives in Brandeston and formerly worked for RMJM, the architects for the new UCS building on Ipswich Waterfront.

Ms Rausing, from Newmarket, is the owner of the renowned Lanwades Stud.

She is the chairman of The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association and a director of Jockey Club Estates in Newmarket.

Professor Tancred is a former Olympian and world class discus thrower. He was born in Felixstowe and currently lives in Sheffield.

He was director of Physical Education and Sport at Sheffield University and Professor of Sport Studies at Buckinghamshire Chiltern University College from which he retired in 2001.