At the end of last month Liverpool Hope's refurbished Chapel at Hope Park housed its first collection of students being awarded their degrees alongside Rolf Harris and Ken Dodd.

Listen to Dave Jenkins interview with the antipodean polymath here:

 

With the interview I stopped the tape at a certain point, and Rolf asked me to record again for a message from him about pursuing your dreams.

Rolf, originally from Perth in Australia joined the students in their conferment of Degrees at Hope Universities Chapel. The day previous Hope also welcomed a star of the stage with Liverpool born and bred comedian Ken Dodd. While Rolf was awarded his honorary causa for his contribution to art and music throughout his life, Ken’s honour was given to him as recognition to his contributions to cultural life in the city and beyond. Ken began his speech by joking to the Chapels congregation that he can now be a post man.

Rolf, originally from Perth in Australia joined the students in their conferment of Degrees at Hope Universities Chapel. The day previous Hope also welcomed a star of the stage with Liverpool born and bred comedian Ken Dodd. While Rolf was awarded his honorary causa for his contribution to art and music throughout his life, Ken’s honour was given to him as recognition to his contributions to cultural life in the city and beyond. Ken began his speech by joking to the Chapels congregation that he can now be a post man.

Ken Dodd was greeted through Hope Park’s refectory with lots of autograph bound students and staff wanting to all greet the new Dr Dodd.
When he managed to have some time to himself, I spoke to him about how he felt about the degree and Hope University.

“It’s been an absolutely wonderful day of happiness and there is a lovely atmosphere here,” said Ken.
“Getting degree’s and awards shows good discipline. I am a man who struggles to be discipline, but in the line of comedy you must have it to survive.”

The following day for the winter graduation, during Rolf’s speech in the Chapel, his emotions shone through when he was talking about his parents influence.
After the ceremony, I caught up with Rolf before his lunch to talk a little more about the award.
“I am honoured,” explained Rolf.
“I was awarded with an honorary doctorate of letters for my presentation of art and music to the general public,”
Towards the end of the conversation Rolf gave some advice for students looking ahead to the future.
“Try and do what you love to do,” said Rolf
“Also try and work some way out of getting paid to do it, if you can do it as your livelihood, because when you finish work at the end of the day you keep going because you love to do it.”
Rolf was among many celebrating their efforts with the winter graduation seeing many students finish their studies with him.
“It was fantastic experience to have Rolf there,” explained Michelle Newton, 26 a Hope graduate with a Masters of Science in Environmental Management.
“I have grown up with him throughout my life and it’s amazing to receive my award on the same day that he does.”
Professor Pilay remarked on the days by saying, “I am delighted to see both Ken and Rolf to encourage the propagation of arts and culture.”
Both Ken and Rolf were part of a trio with Canon Michael Wolfe, the Chaplain of Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral who featured in the rededication service to make him a Senior Fellow of the University.
For my whole interview with Rolf Harris log onto www.radiohope.ac.uk, or alternatively go to Hope Times Online, on Hope’s main webpage.

Last Updated ( Monday, 08 February 2010 )

Liverpool Hope is to honour Ken Dodd, Rolf Harris and Canon Michael Wolfe as part of its January celebrations.

Ken Dodd will be awarded an Doctorate of Letters (honoris causa) on Foundation Day, Monday 25th January. Commenting on the announcement, the Bishop of Liverpool, Bishop James Jones, said, “This award recognises the huge contribution that Ken Dodd has made to the cultural life of the country and in particular to those on Merseyside.  His charitable work, which flows from his faith, is outstanding.  But it is his humour and his understanding of humanity that distinguishes him and merits this recognition”.

Rolf Harris's Doctorate of Letters (honoris causa), awarded in recognition of his contribution to art and music education, will be made on Tuesday 26th January, during the Winter Graduation Ceremony.  Rolf said, “I am thrilled to be receiving this honour and I must say it’ll be a great privilege to be a part of Graduation Day with all the MA Creative Practice students in Liverpool.  I am really looking forward to it.”

Canon Michael Wolfe, Chaplain of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and co-ordinator for Merseyside Interfaith Group, will be made a Senior Fellow of Liverpool Hope University at the end of the month for his services to ecumenism and to inter-faith work over many years. 
Last Updated ( Thursday, 14 January 2010 )

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By David Jenkins 

 

Deep in the heart of London sits the University of Westminster which housed student radio’s biggest party in the students union.

The launch of I love Student Radio saw all party-goers free champagne throughout the night, and nothing but low lights and lots of mingling.

With members of the student radio community swarming around, there were two notable characters that emerged. Greg James, radio one DJ, and Richard Clarke, Capital FM DJ and the current UK top 40 chart DJ on Sunday evenings. 

Both Greg and Richard emerged out of student radio at university and they could see the benefit of student radio plus the possibilities it could give to students for future careers.

“Student radio is an amazing place to begin,” said Greg.

“The radio industry is starting to take it much more seriously these days, because they have to find new talent somewhere.”

Richard Clarke currently does the UK top 40 chart on Sunday evenings, a show which has one of the largest listening figures in the country.

“My career started in student radio and I set up my own station on campus,” said Richard.

“I then got involved with the student radio association everything just went from there.”

“I got my first presenting job and then travelled around the country and now im here.”

With two shining examples of how student radio can help people to get a foot in the door of their radio careers, student radio is nothing but a platform to greater things.

 

For the audio interviews with both Greg and Richard, click onto my blog here

 

 

Last Updated ( Monday, 02 November 2009 )