Hundreds of graduating University Campus Suffolk students received their degree awards during the final day of ceremonies yesterday.

Among them was Society of Radiographers student of the year award winner Joaquim Graca and his wife Zaida Cavaco.

Mr Graca was recognised for excelling academically and clinically as well as making an outstanding contribution to student life and the Ipswich university. He is now working as a diagnostic radiographer at Ipswich Hospital.

He says “I am overwhelmed for what I have achieved so far. I couldn’t have done it without Zaida and my mentor Jane Harvey-Lloyd for their support and motivation throughout my degree.”

His wife graduated in nutrition and human health and will start a postgraduate degree to be a dietician next year.

There were also three honorary degrees awarded during the ceremonies. Professor Duncan Bell, who was born in Bungay, was presented with an honorary doctorate in recognition for his work in medicine. He joined students from the Department of Health Studies at the Town Hall and Corn Exchange yesterday.

Maggie Wheeler was also awarded an honorary degree for her work in mental health. She was chairman of what became Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust for a decade.

Dr Richard Nicol received his honorary degree after working at BT for more than 30 years. He finished his career as head of research. Since then he has been a visiting professor at Essex University and a government advisor. He was also one of the key advocates for building Suffolk’s only university.