LONDON - 8 February 2008 - 230 words
'Priceless' celebration at St Mary's University College award ceremony
A very special year was celebrated during the annual awards dinner at St Mary's University College, Twickenham on Tuesday.
The Religious of the Assumption, Rt Rev Edwin Regan, Bishop of Wrexham and President of the National Board of Religious Inspectors and Advisors, and Anji Phillips, Director of Education and Children's Services, for the Borough of Richmond, were presented with Honorary Fellowships for their outstanding contribution to education.
The evening, held in Horace Walpole's ballroom at Strawberry Hill, was introduced by Dr Michael Hayes, Vice-Principal. It was attended by leading educationalists and local dignitaries. Chair of the Board of Governors, Bishop George Stack set the tone by praising the positive, friendly and welcoming atmosphere of St Mary's. :I'm always impressed by the friendly atmosphere and sense of sorority here" he said. "there are no strangers here, only friends you haven't yet met."
Outlining St Mary's Annual Report, Dr Naylor described the past year's achievements as 'priceless' because during 2007 St Mary's was granted the power to award its own degrees; a three-year restoration programme started on the college's flagship building, the 18th century Walpole House; and the college had received a very good audit report highlighting a number of aspects of St Mary's academic life and community involvements.
Oona Stannard, director of the Catholic Education Service presented Bishop Regan with his Honorary Fellowship. Ms Anji Phillips received her fellowship from Mrs Geraldine Davies. Eight Sisters of the Assumption attended the evening. Their award was formally accepted by Sister Simon. From 1946-1977 Maria Assumpta College was a co-worker with St Mary's University College in the education of Catholic teachers and education for the fulfillment of the individual in the service of society is at the heart of the work of the Religious of the Assumption.
Later in the evening, a group of students taking a range of different courses, were introduced by Kevin Germaine, Director of Student Services. They spoke enthusiastically about their studies and dreams for the future.
For more information about St Mary's University College, see: http://www.smuc.ac.uk/
© Independent Catholic News 2008
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