The first of the Ransomes Jacobsen sponsored Higher Education students on the BIGGA Scholarship programme were presented with their degrees at a graduation ceremony at Cranfield University at Silso recently.
Barry Dore and Peter Jones donned gown and mortar board to receive their MSc degrees in Sports Surface Technology from the Chancellor of the College, Lord Vincent of Coleshill. A third BIGGA Scholarship graduate, Eoghan Buckley was unable attend as he is currently undertaking an internship in the USA.
All were given substantial financial support from the scholarship scheme which was set up by BIGGA two years ago. Barry was the first to mount the stage and spoke later of the pride he felt in his achievement. “Receiving this qualification means a great deal to me. The training I have received has greatly improved my knowledge of sportsturf science. It will also allow me to consider employment options in the future that I would never have been in a position to consider before,‘ said Barry. “I can‘t thank BIGGA and Ransomes Jacobsen enough for their support during the course.”
Peter Jones, who runs Peter Jones Associates Ltd, was equally delighted and said, “It was a proud moment for me when I received my degree from Cranfield University. It more than justifies the many, many hours spent studying and writing assignments. I am greatly indebted to BIGGA and Ransomes Jacobsen for the wonderful support they have given me and my fellow scholarship winners and I would encourage others to take advantage of the support there is out there for people attempting to better themselves through education.”
Commenting on the scheme, Ken Richardson, BIGGA’s Education and Training Manager said. “The scholarship programme has enabled 48 greenkeeper members of BIGGA to enrol onto Higher Education courses including the Masters Degree course at Cranfield University. Greenkeepers now have access to a full range of qualifications enabling them to move their careers to an even higher level and compete for better salaries.”
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